Eileen Jensen Kercheval

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road, in Grand Junction.

Mrs. Kercheval was a television broadcaster.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Marion “Mike;” six sons, Dr. Don of Oak Park, Illinois, Ron of Grand Junction, Ken of Tarpon Springs, Florida, Michael of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, Jeff of Aurora, and Charlie of Parker; two daughters, LouAnn Ryan of Littleton and Kristin West of Palisade; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Eileen

Jensen-Kercheval

November 3, 1923 - July 8, 2014

Eileen Jensen-Kercheval passed away on July 8, 2014, at the age of 90.

She was the wife of Dr. Marion Kercheval of Grand Junction, and the late Merle Jensen of Grand Junction.

Mrs. Jensen-Kercheval was born Eileen Mae West, in Chicago, Illinois on November 4, 1923, and attended Lindblom High School before joining her father's construction firm.

Eileen married Merle Jensen on January 8, 1944, and raised a family of four children, Ronald, Donald, Kendel, and Lou Ann. She was preceded in death by Merle Jensen who passed away on April 1, 1991.

She raised her family in La Grange Park, IL, Rockford, IL, Springfield, IL and Barrington, IL before retiring with Merle to Grand Junction in 1981.

Her family grew over the years to six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Their home was an annual retreat for all of the grandchildren, Camp Nana Bob Bob, and where you could always find friends and family enjoying her knack for entertaining.

She subsequently married Dr. Marion Kercheval on June 5, 1993. This marriage added five step-children, Heidi, Michael, Kristin, Jeff and Charlie and nine step-grandchildren to her loving embrace.

Eileen was an outstanding mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, working mom and active senior citizen. She had a lengthy career with Welcome Wagon as an area manager followed by local television providing insights into crafts and senior life-fulfilling activities.

Mrs. Jensen-Kercheval was active in Grand Junction senior groups and participated in a number of activities that earned her state and national recognition for her efforts in stirring seniors to get involved in their community. Her weekly TV segment, Prime Time Updates, on KJCT in Grand Junction for seniors provided her with many adoring fans.

Her activities included Chamber Rangers, Newcomers group, Symphony Guild, and the Cup of Cheer program.

With Merle, she assisted in organizing the senior physical fitness walking group to enhance senior fitness and was involved with SCORE - mentoring young people for the workplace.

Eileen loved to travel and did so extensively with her husband, Mike, until her passing.

Services are scheduled for Sunday, July 13th at 3:00 p.m. at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 F Rd. Grand Junction.

Published in The Daily Sentinel from July 11 to July 13, 2014