Jensen, Gerald D. "Jerry" 1942-2003

JENSEN, ROSENBAUM, MERCHEN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer
Date: 4/14/2007 at 19:50:48

AKRON, Iowa -- Gerald D. "Jerry" Jensen, 61, of Pierce, Neb., formerly of Akron, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003, in rural Pierce County, Neb.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Christ Lutheran Church in Pierce, with the Rev. Matt Bahnfleth officiating. Burial will be in Prospect View Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce.

Mr. Jensen was born Feb. 12, 1942, in Akron, the son of Christian and Eleanor (Rosenbaum) Jensen. He graduated from high school in Jefferson, S.D. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, S.D.

He married Janis L. Merchen on Dec. 31, 1972, at United Methodist Church in Creighton, Neb. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Creighton for four years. During this time he taught school in the Creighton Public Schools. He then went to work for Nebraska Harvestore, where he was employed for eight years. In 1984, they moved to Pierce and he taught school and served as the Pierce athletic director until the time of his passing.

He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Pierce Fair board, Pierce Club Soccer Association, the Day Lily and Iris Society. He was a former Future Farmers of America and 4-H leader. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with animals. He also loved teaching.

Survivors include his wife, Janis Jensen of Pierce; two sons, Jake Jensen of Pierce and Jeff Jensen of Camp La Jeune, N.C.; a daughter, Jodi Jensen of Lawrence, Kan.; two grandchildren; three sisters and their husbands, Judy and Gary Junge Sr. of Sioux City, Kay and Scott Semple of Lawton, Iowa, and Karen and Kevin Irwin of Sioux City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers will be Ed Merchen, Larry Merchen, Lance Brozek, Scott Semple, Kevin Irwin and Gary Junge Sr.

[Part of the Darrell Eason Obituary Collection; source:Sioux City Journal]