JENSEN, Agneta M. 1901-2005

JENSEN, MADSEN, KREUTZER, MCNAMARA

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 9/23/2013 at 01:40:38

Agneta M. Jensen, 103, of Cedar Falls, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home.
Agneta was born on July 11, 1901 on a farm west of Cedar Falls and attended country school with her 5 sisters and 4 brothers. Her parents, the Madsen’s, were born in Denmark and Agneta was fluent in both Danish and English.

She attended Waterloo Business College and later worked as a bank teller where in 1922 she was described as “cool as a cucumber” during a bank robbery. In 1926 Agneta married Chris (CB) Jensen and together they operated a neighborhood grocery business which was located on West 16th street in Cedar Falls later known as Hart’s Food Center operated by her brother Hartvig Madsen. Today it is home to Gilgan’s Antique store. The store stood across from the family home, located at 1604 Washington Street. Agneta vividly remembered the depression years when many a hobo and stranger would be served a meal from her back porch. After Chris passed away in 1958 Agneta worked as a night hostess at UNI in the women’s dormitory. Agneta’s retirement years were spent as a volunteer at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home gift bar where she served the residents for over 25 years. She lived to see many changes in Cedar Falls including the first motor cars and airplanes. She attributed her longevity to her religious faith, a daily banana, and all the good friends she made in her life’s journey.

She enjoyed hobbies of needlework, reading and playing the piano. She was a long time member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she was remembered for her positive attitude and keen wit. At 103 years young, she was active, healthy and sharp as a tack thanks to the loving staff at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home.

She had one son, Richard (Dick) Jensen. He was a school superintendent in Menlo Park, California. Dick visited his mother frequently until his passing in 1998.

Agneta is survived by her 3 grandchildren, Rodney Jensen, Susan Kreutzer, and Kristin Jensen-McNamara all of California and 6 great grandchildren. Other close relatives include Ann Madsen, Carol Gates, Wayne Madsen, Allen Madsen, Sunny Kung and cousin Rita Juhl.

A memorial service commemorating her life was held at 11am Saturday March 26th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls with internment following the service at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home of Cedar Falls.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home in her name.

[Source: Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home]

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Social Security Death Index shows middle initial "M"