In Memory of Lois E. Jensen

Lois E. Jensen, age 90, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Battle Creek, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Lois Elaine (Riessen) Jensen, beloved daughter of Walter G.J. and Fern D. (Hanson) Riessen, was born on August 4, 1935, in Battle Creek, Iowa. From the beginning, her life was rooted in faith, family and the simple beauty of small-town living. She was baptized and confirmed in her Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.

Lois spent her childhood on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard work, kindness, and community. She attended school in the Battle Creek Community School District and proudly graduated with the Class of 1954. Following graduation, Lois pursued her calling to care for others by completing her nurse’s aide training, a gift she would share generously throughout her life.

On August 29, 1954, Lois was united in marriage to Marvin T. Jensen, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa. Together, they built a loving home filled with laughter, devotion, and faith. They raised four children: Cindy, Gary, Diana, Deb, and lovingly remembered their infant daughter, Bonita, who was born in Manning, Iowa, and claimed to God’s glory as a child.

Lois devoted her life to serving others in many ways. She worked at the local nursing home and hospital serving as a cook, aid, and activities director throughout the years. She also assisted customers at B&B Hardware and the local food market. Her compassion touched countless lives, from the residents she comforted to the children she cared for in her home over 23 wonderful years.

Faith was a cornerstone in Lois’s life. She joyfully served her church and community through numerous boards, committees, choirs, hosting daily devotions in her home, teaching Sunday school classes and volunteering for VBS. Her dedication, humor, and gentle spirit were a blessing to all who knew her.

Lois was a 50-year member of the local ladies American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). She enjoyed decorating and hosting holidays with her family and friends, crocheting, knitting, needlework, ceramics, playing cards, collecting angels, and watching the Hallmark channel. Also, you could always find Lois on Monday mornings with a warm cup of coffee in hand, and catching up with the local coffee crew. 

Lois will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her love of family, and her heart for helping others.

Left to carry on her love and legacy are her children: Gary (Reta) Jensen of Cherokee, IA, Diana Sexton of Blencoe, IA, and Deb Jensen of Battle Creek, IA; son-in-law Jerry Davis of Correctionville, IA; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; brother Ronald Riessen of Battle Creek, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, honorary grandchildren (daycare kids & families), and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Fern Riessen; parents-in-law Martin S. and Concordia L.M. (Schwenk) Jensen; husband Marvin Jensen; daughters Bonita Jensen and Cindy Davis; grandson Bryan Wilcke; sisters JoAnn Riessen and Alberta (Ray) Reitz; and sister-in-law Sheryll Riessen.