Darlene L Jensen

Darlene Louise Jensen, age 87, of Milford, Iowa and formerly of Carroll, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa. Darlene was born on August 2, 1936 in Waterloo, Iowa. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Arnold and Louise Lohmeyer. She grew up in Waterloo and graduated in 1954 from West High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Upper Elementary Education in 1958. She received a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, and Secondary Administration in 1961 from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she was a Guidance Counselor and later a Junior High Assistant Principal in the Des Moines school system from 1961-1970. She was well-organized and committed to a positive learning environment. Darlene married James P. Jensen in August 1961 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They moved to Carroll, Iowa in 1975 where James was a family medicine practitioner and together raised their four children. During her years in Carroll, she was active on many community boards: Carroll Public School Board, Carroll Public Library, Carroll Community Theater, Corridor of Commerce, Carroll Area Childcare Center, and League of Women Voters. Later years, she taught fourth grade and was the librarian at St. Lawrence School. She created lifelong impact in the lives of colleagues, students, and others. She retired in Okoboji, Iowa. There she enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, relaxing, and attending Okoboji Summer Theater, Okoboji Yacht Club socials, Roof Garden concerts, and lifelong learning at Third Age College. She devoted every morning to drinking a cup of coffee and reading the Des Moines Register. Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Dr. Eric (Karen) Jensen of Carroll, IA; Holly Jensen of Milford, IA; Renee (Tim) Wernimont of Jacksonville, NC; Sarah (Paul) Shomshor of Council Bluffs, IA; seven grandchildren: Soren and Arrington Jensen; Lauren, Katie, and James Wernimont; Jensen and Jacksen Shomshor; her sisters, Loretta Rule of LoneTree, CO, and Selma Putnam of Hamilton, MT; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Kuemper Education Foundation, or the Carroll High School Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com

Darlene L Jensen

August 2, 1936 - October 22, 2023