In Memory of Mary J. Jensen

Mary J. Jensen, age 89, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Eugene Tolstedt will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, December 6, 2021, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

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

Mary J. Jensen, the daughter of Charles and Alberta “Lois” (Peffer) Foster, was born on October 7, 1932, in Battle Creek, Iowa. She grew up on the Foster family farm outside of Battle Creek and graduated from Danbury Public School.

On July 27, 1952, Mary was united in marriage to Edwin “Ed” Jensen in the First Presbyterian Church office in Battle Creek. The couple purchased land from the Foster family farm and built their forever home, where they raised their four children: Jane, Jerry, Susan, and Sandy.

While raising her children, Mary went on to furthered her education and achieved her diploma in Licensed Practical Nursing. After graduating she spent her career as an LPN at the Morningside Rehab and Care Center of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Mary enjoyed being a member of the local historical society, attending church, gardening and caring for flowers. Mary also was an avid quilter and loved to read. 

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Jane (Ed) Zehm of Ames, IA, Jerry (Karen) Jensen of Ida Grove, IA, Susan (Marc) Olson of Iowa City, IA and Sandy (Troy) Hanson of Goldfield, IA; grandchildren: Erin (Kory) Wilkinson, Mitchell Olson, Bryan (Paige) Zehm, Brad Olson, Steven (Deanna) Hanson, Miranda (Troy) Olson, Mandi (Nick) Hruska, and Heather (Tim) Gilles; 7 great-grandchildren; brother James (Helen) Foster of Knoxville, IA; sisters Merlie (Jim) Kalsem of Ames, IA and Carol (Rolly) Biegler of Pendleton, OR; sister-in-law Dorothy Foster; brother-in-law Dean Wooten; and extended family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Edwin “Ed” Jensen; grandson Michael Olson; brothers Bill Foster and Chuck Foster; and sister Edyth Wooten.