Marjorie Ruth Jensen

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church in Lone Rock.

Marjorie Ruth (Beneke) Jensen was born June 15, 1922, near Laurens, Iowa, the daughter of Anton and Theresa (Mefferd) Beneke and the sister of Don, Lucille, Ray, Lee, Helen and Jim. Marge spent her childhood on the family farm and attended Laurens High School, graduating in 1939. She furthered her education at Iowa State University in Ames, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in home economics and technical journalism. While there, Marge met her lifelong partner, Perry Jensen of Fenton, Iowa. The couple married and established a veterinary practice in George, Iowa, in 1943. In the early days of their business, Marge was the office manager and veterinary assistant. In the ’60s and ’70s, she was an English and journalism teacher at Central Lyon High School in Rock Rapids. She was active in numerous organizations in the George area. Marge was a caring and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed following the activities of family and friends. She and Perry moved in 1995 to Wauwatosa, Wis., near her daughter and family. When her health failed in 2007-08, she moved to nursing homes in Fairmont, Minn., near her son and family.

Surviving Marge are her son, Roger Jensen and wife, Joyce (Karau) of Fenton, Iowa; her daughter, Deborah Chitambar and husband, Christopher of Wauwatosa, Wis. Also surviving are eight of nine grandchildren: Julie (Randy), Jodi (Brian), Jennifer, Jeff, Janie (Ben), Jeremy, Christine (Seth), and Eric (Michelle); 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Lucille Ellson; sister-in-law, Shirley Beneke; brother-in-law, Curt Overdahl; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marge was a wordsmith and a chef who produced both literary and culinary delights. She will be remembered as a good friend who inspired others with her “heart of gold” and positive outlook.