Kenneth E. Jensen

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Steven’s Memorial Chapel in Ames. Funeral services will be at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Story City on Tuesday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation, prior to the service, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Born December 5, 1933 in Decorah, Iowa Kenneth Eric Jensen was the son of Eric and Phyllis (Meyer) Jensen. He grew up in Decorah and was a member of the Decorah Kilties. He received his education at Decorah High School graduating in 1952. Ken was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in the Korean War. Once Ken returned he attended Luther College in Decorah and Iowa State University in Ames.

On August 27, 1955, Ken was united in marriage to his wife of 58 years, Elinor Luella Rolfs. The couple made their home in Story City, Iowa and were blessed with five children: Wendy, Gary, Alan, Kristi, and Lori. He had a 35 year career with the Iowa Department of Transportation, spending many long summer days inspecting construction of the interstate highway system.

Ken had a passion for fishing, mushroom hunting, and solving the newspaper jumble puzzles. Most of all, Ken loved his wife, children, and grandchildren who all held a special place in his heart.

Ken is survived by his wife, Elinor; children, Gary (Jody) Jensen, Alan (Ann) Jensen, Kristi (Tim) Grotheer, and Lori (Tim) Spink; grandchildren, Sarah and Katie Jensen, Matthew and Karl Grotheer, Jared, Ryan, and Ashley Spink and Jeremy Zimmerman; brother, Darrel (Mary) Jensen; sister-in-law, Pat Jensen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved daughter Wendy, and brother, Harold Jensen.