Kenneth Eugene Jensen

Funeral Service Monday, November 24, 2008, 10:30 a.m. Zion Lutheran ChurchManning, Iowa Officiating Reverend Patrick R. Sparling Congregational Hymns “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” “Amazing Grace” “How Great Thou Art” Carolyn Kerkhoff, Organist Casketbearers Don Jensen    Gary Jensen    Kim Jensen Brian Bruch    Todd Gruhn    Dwight Gruhn Honorary Casketbearers Kenny’s Grandchildren    Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517 American Legion-Emil Ewoldt Post 22 Cliff’s Coffee Club Card Club Interment Manning CemeteryManning, Iowa Military Honors Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517 American Legion-Emil Ewoldt Post 22    Kenneth Eugene Jensen, son of Gus and Eunice (McMahon) Jensen, was born May 23, 1926, at home in Manning, Iowa. He grew up in the Manning area and graduated from Manning High School in 1944. Kenny entered the Army in May of 1945, serving the majority of his time in occupied Japan, and was honorably discharged in December of 1946. When Kenny returned from the service he pursued his love of farming with his Uncle Albert just east of Manning.    On August, 23, 1953, Kenny was united in marriage with Fern Struve at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. His cousin, Roy Struve, served as his best man. In 1958, Kenny and Fern moved to their own farm 3 miles east of Manning where they enjoyed farm life and raising six children. In addition to farming, Kenny was a rural mail carrier for 35 years, following in the footsteps of his father.    Kenny was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was active in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Upon returning from the service he was involved in establishing the VFW Ceremonial Team Color Guard, where he served as the leader for 50+ years. He was a coordinator for many VFW activities, including delivering hospital equipment and serving as the “receptionist”. Kenny had a real zest for life. He enjoyed talking, dancing, playing cards, his family and friends. He retired from the Post Office on September 1, 1995. As quoted at his retirement, “If you feel good, I think a person should volunteer. There are always people needing help. I’m not going to sit in a rocking chair and wait to die.” He was true to his word. His many passions included being a “hired hand” for Mike Bruch, a taxi driver for his grandchildren, and a volunteer at the HausBarn, Four Corners Park and whatever else needed attention. He added a touch of humor to everything he was involved with. He enjoyed traveling with stops from Germany to Alaska and California to Texas. He truly loved heading west to the Black Hills and to the mountains of Wyoming and Montana. In his words, his greatest accomplishment in life was “being a dad and grandfather.”    In September of 2008, Kenny was diagnosed with cancer. On Wednesday, November 19, 2008, he died peacefully with family at his side at Manning Regional Hospital. Kenny was 82 years old.    Kenny is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fern Jensen of Manning; six children: Lonnie Jensen and wife Karen of Lake in the Hills, Illinois; Mark Jensen and wife Sue of Denison; Scott Jensen and wife Valerie of Tiskilwa, Illinois; Kyle Jensen and wife Sherry of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Becky Bruch and husband Mike of Audubon; Jodi Nissen and husband Brian of Osceola; 16 grandchildren; Tyler and Kylie Jensen; David Bannister; Heather Jensen; Megan Riesenberg and husband Cory; Derek Jensen; Brooke, Beau, Lacey and Lance Jensen; Taylor, Anna and Angie Jensen; Diana, Dustin and Abby Bruch; three great-grandchildren; Shae and Tiernan Jensen and Eric Riesenberg; sister Faye Walder and husband Ray of Ramona, California; brother Wayne “Butch” Jensen and wife Pam of Manning; sister-in-law Judy Jensen of Gardiner, Montana; and numerous other relatives including Grace Schatz, “recognized” as the oldest Jensen cousin. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Jean Petersen, brother-in-law Warren Petersen and brother Allen “Buck” Jensen.