Marcella Jensen

MARCELLA JEAN JENSEN Marcella Jensen, life long resident of Atlantic, passed away at the Cass County Memorial Hospital on Friday morning, February 19, 2010, at the age of 72.Marcella Jean Jensen was born on November 14, 1937 to Elden and Mayme Kay. She is survived by her husband, Don Jensen, of Atlantic; four children, Jonelle Ruffing and husband Charles of Atlantic, IA, Peggy Medvec and husband Craig of Naperville, IL, Bryan Jensen of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Marcy Jensen Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren, Jennifer Slagle and husband Don, Javen Smith and wife Kathy, Kristen Medvec and Katie Medvec. She also had three great grandchildren, Natalie Smith and William and Anna Slagle; two brothers, Ronald Kay and wife Diana of College Station, TX and Larry Kay and wife Judy of Walnut, IA. Marcella grew up on a farm four miles northeast of Marne, IA and lived there until she married Donald LeRoy Jensen, son of Alfred and Ada Herbert Jensen, on November 27, 1955.She joined the Presbyterian Church in 1950 and played piano for Sunday School from 7th grade through high school and was a Sunday School teacher"s helper while in high school. Some of her activities included teaching Bible school, belonging to Church circle for 49 years, of which she was circle leader many times, as well as secretary, vice-moderator and moderator of Presbyterian Women. Marcella was an Elder twice for three year terms along with serving as a Church Deacon for three years. Don and Marcella were members of Tugboat Mariners and Midshipmen in the Church.Marcella"s past activities included volunteering at the Cass County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary since 1969, where she was a past president, board member, and chairman of several committees. She also worked as the hospital gift shop manager for five years. Some of her activities included volunteering in the Physical Therapy Department once a month. She spent many hours as the receptionist for the Danish Immigrant Museum in Elk Horn, IA. She also belonged to the Cloverleaf neighborhood club and was a member since 1955. For many years, Marcella served in numerous roles in the Pymosa 4-H clubs and Cass County fairs. Some of her many awards include: Cass County Beef Producers "Hall of Fame&" in 1998, Iowa Cattlemen"s Association "Woman of the Year&" in 2003 and Cass County Pork Producers "Star Supporter Award&" in 2004.She graduated from the Atlantic High School in 1955. That summer she worked as a cashier at Swanson"s grocery store in Atlantic until her wedding later that fall. Following her marriage on November 27, Don and Marcella moved onto a farmstead northeast of Atlantic where they resided for 46 years until moving to Atlantic in the fall of 2001. Together, they actively farmed and worked alongside each other growing the farm and raising four children. Marcella spent many hours keeping the bookwork for the farm in order. Her hobbies included quilting, dancing, solving crossword puzzles, playing cards, family genealogy, volunteering and just being with people and staying busy. Some of her greatest memories were traveling to Alaska, Australia, as well as Denmark and Germany, walking the same streets that her ancestors had many years before. She also enjoyed visiting the churches where her ancestors had been baptized. She never forgot the great time she had dancing with Bobby Burgess from the Lawrence Welk show while he was appearing in Des Moines.Funeral InformationThere will be open visitation at the Roland Funeral Home daily from 8 P.M. to 5 P.M (with the exception of Sunday morning) and a family visitation Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 P.M at Rolands. A memorial service for Marcella is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 23 at United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. A committal service will be leaving from Rolands to be held at 10:00 A.M. (one hour ahead of the memorial) at the Atlantic Cemetery. Pastor Gary DeGeest will officiate. The Roland Funeral Service is caring for Marcella's family and her arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left on the Roland website at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.In Remembrance Marcella Jean (Kay) JensenBorn November 14, 1937 in Atlantic, IowaEntered Into RestFriday, February 19, 2010At the Age of 72 years, 3 months and 5 daysMemorial Service11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 23, 2010First United Presbyterian Church ~ Atlantic, IowaOfficiating Pastor Gary DeGeest Anita and Wiota United Methodist ChurchesVocalistRandall BreckerbaumerOrganist/PianistMarlene DeGeestMarcia AndersonMusical Selections"Just a Closer Walk with Thee""I Did it My Way&""I'll Fly Away"Casket BearersKen Kay Brad Kay Stuart KayFred Kay Javen Smith Richard KayFlower CommitteeJanice Brehmer Gene and Shirley Hosfelt Janice Peterson Gen Wede Glen and Dorsey Dinkla Dick and Judy BoltonCommittal Service10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Atlantic Cemetery Atlantic, Iowa Marcella's family invites friends to join them for a luncheon at Cass County Community Center in AtlanticChurch DirectionsCemetery Directions