Mary Barbara Jensen
Rural DeForest–Mary Barbara Jensen, age 94, died peacefully on March 9, 2013 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on February 3, 1919 Perry Township, WI, daughter of Henry and Christina Gruenenfelder. She was united in marriage to Theodore Jensen on October 20, 1943 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Perry Township. After the wedding, she and Ted moved to their farm in rural DeForest, where Mary lived until the last two weeks of her life. She was a charter member of St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, DeForest, where she served for many years on the funeral luncheon committee.
Mary was a woman to whom family meant everything. After the death of her daughter-in-law, Vicky Jensen, she took an active role in helping her son, Richard, raise his young daughters. Also, she set a fine example for her family in personal discipline, morality and the importance of frugality. Mary was not afraid to tell members of her family what she thought was right.
As a farm wife, in addition to providing for her family, she helped with the farm operation. All her life through the last year, she had a vegetable garden. In earlier years, Mary raised chickens and used the money from the sale of eggs to provide for family needs. She loved to bake and always had homemade cookies ready for the grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her five children: Robert (Marianne) Jensen, Mildred (Victor) Meinholz, Barbara (James) Tierney, Richard (Jane) Jensen and Linda (Bernie) Nihles; ten grandchildren: Quint (Kimberly) Jensen, Cindy (Chad) Malicki, Dale Meinholz, Greg (Amy) Tierney, Randy Tierney, Kathy (T.J.) Brandenburg, Suzanne (Michael) Dunlap, Laura Jensen, Connie (David) Rupp and David (Sarah) Nihles; two step-grandchildren, Nathan (Trisha) Campbell and Nolan (Wendy) Campbell; twenty-one great-grandchildren and two more on the way. In addition, Mary leaves her sisters, Hedy Wahl and Catherine Uebersetzig, brother-in-law, Lyle Jensen and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, her parents, daughter-in-law, Vicky Jensen, infant granddaughter, Shelly Meinholz, brother, Henry Gruenenfelder and sisters, Christina Zimmerman, Lillian Bigger, Anna Minnig and Leona Rundhaug.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, with Fr. Robert Butz officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday. Burial will follow at St. Olaf’s Catholic Cemetery.
Our sincere thanks are extended to the staff at both St. Mary’s Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare. Special thanks to Father Rob and to Keith and Pam for all of their visits and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare Inc., 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
