Jerry Allan Jensen the son of Harold E. and Thelma (Rasmussen) Jensen was born February 20, 1937 at his grandparent Rasmussen’s home in Audubon, Iowa and died September 15, 2022 at the Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 15 days.
Jerry was baptized and confirmed at Exira Lutheran Church. He received his elementary education at rural school, Greeley #4, near Exira then graduated from Exira High School with the Class of 1955. Following graduation, he farmed with his parents.
On June 2, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Rosalie Williams, at the Methodist Church in Audubon, Iowa.
They lived in Des Moines where he was employed at Hawkeye Sales. They moved back to Exira where he worked at Rosebud Feed then worked for Hawkeye Electric. They moved to Red Oak, Iowa where he managed a Branch Store of Hawkeye Electric for a short time then moved back to Exira where he worked for Finnerty Oil.
They started their family and were blessed with three children Joni, Jane and Jedd.
In the spring of 1962, he purchased a farm east of Hamlin then later in 1972 they purchased the farm where they now live. They farmed for 32 years where they grew row crops and raised livestock. In 1994 Jerry started working for Larsen Ford in the sales department where he enjoyed the people and the challenge of sales work.
Jerry was a faithful, lifetime member of the Exira Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School. He served on the Church Council as secretary, was an usher, and served on many committees. Jerry was a member of the Classic Glass Corvette Club. He enjoyed camping and vacations at Lake Okoboji with his family
Jerry’s children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was their “Hero”. He always had a positive attitude. Jerry would always say “some things are better left unsaid, it’s your choice how you live your life”. He chose to enjoy life to the fullest and above all pray and trust in God.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his infant sister Dorothy, his brothers Darrell and wife Ellen Jensen and Paul and wife Mary Jensen; Father-in-law and Mother-in-Law Walt and Ruby Williams; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bob and wife Janet Williams and Larry Andersen.
Survivors who cherish his memory include his wife of 65 years, Rosalie Jensen of rural Hamlin, Iowa, his children: Joni Hilsabeck of Clive, Iowa; Jane Jensen of Urbandale, Iowa, and Jedd and wife Kim Jensen of Exira; his grandchildren: Rachel Hilsabeck of West Des Moines, Iowa; Daniel Hilsabeck of Earlham, Iowa; Kaylee Santisteban and husband Tony; Kassidy Jensen and Jayden Jensen all of Exira; his great-grandchildren: Tatum, Mora and Dominick Santisteban; his sister Marilyn Jensen of Exira; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Butch and wife Sally Williams of Spirit Lake, Iowa and LaVerne and Jan Jensen of Panora, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The family will meet friends Saturday morning, September 24, 2022 from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Saturday morning September 24, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa followed by a time for food and fellowship in the church fellowship room. Interment will be at a later date.
