Karen Jensen Obituary

Karen Jensen -- devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and disciple of Christ. Karen Ann Jensen of Colorado Springs, CO died June 9, 2011 of emphysema. She is survived by her husband Duane; daughter Roxanne with husband Dean Neuwirth and children Abe, Shaina and Joey; son Dan with wife Bridget and sons Luke, Caleb, Josiah and Jake; son Jason with wife Susi and children Abby and Gabe; brother Curt Nelson with children John, Steve, and Kristy; and sister Lorraine Dunahay with children Pat, Susie, Debbie and Mike. Karen was born on February 25, 1935 in Bottineau, ND where she grew up with her parents Dr. Leslie Nelson and Ann Nelson and her siblings Lorraine and Curt. She attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in 1955 with high honors, Phi Beta Kappa, in Social Work. On July 8, 1956, she married Duane Roger Jensen. Karen and Duane moved to Colorado Springs in 1958 to begin their family life together. She and Duane raised their three children Roxanne, Dan, and Jason in Colorado Springs. Karen brought great intensity and care to her life as a child of God, student, wife, parent, grandparent, home-maker and friend. She employed all of her considerable talents and drive in each of her callings. She loved Jesus above all else, and lived that love in every facet of her life. Her academic calling to social work befitted her approach to her other life vocations. In her central calling with family, she was an attentive and devoted wife to Duane; a persistent, present, and encouraging shepherd for her children; and the world's biggest fan of her 9 grandchildren. As a homemaker, Karen took meticulous care of her house and yard, and displayed a particular passion for growing flowers. She served her friends with intensity as well, through conversation, physical labors and prayer. Anyone who spoke with Karen more than in passing knows she asked probing questions with genuine interest in others. She connected deeply with people in a matter of minutes, truly seeing people in all their glories and failings, and quickly encouraging and challenging them to lives of love and truth. Those who were fortunate to have more sustained relationships with her knew her remarkable capacity for commitment as well: she loved Duane through 56 years of joy, trials and triumphs; and she worked hard to maintain and grow long friendships in the community and in church. With Duane, she met regularly with some of those friends for potluck dinners and other occasions for all of her 54 years in Colorado Springs. For as long as she was able, she readily volunteered for service, providing meals and support whenever there was a need. Most importantly, Karen was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She studied Scripture daily, memorizing portions and encouraging friends and family with words from the Bible. Her relationship with Jesus guided her throughout her life, bringing her peace with the promise of eternal life in the midst of her long illness. She channeled her academic curiosity into studying the Bible and reading Christian books. She was a devoted member of church for her entire 76 years of life. She served others well and often; and throughout the limitations of her disease, she yearned to be present with and serve her husband, family and friends. Perhaps Karen's greatest life contribution was in prayer, where she channeled all of her love and desire to serve. Anyone with whom Karen engaged can be assured their needs and concerns were well attended in prayer. She prayed daily for her husband and her children and grandchildren, for missionaries around the world, and for many friends. In prayer, she was specific, passionate and persistent. Her prayers were full of Scripture and emotion. She was clearly intimate with her Maker. Who can tell the impact of her years of prayer? Karen leaves a legacy for her family and friends of tremendous commitment to God and people, exemplified by her devotion to the Scripture, service and prayer. She is deeply missed. The memorial service for Karen will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 1:30pm in the main sanctuary at Woodmen Valley Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, designating the gifts for "W Cluster Discipleship." The tax-deductible gifts will encourage a ministry that Karen loved dearly. Send checks to: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, PO Box 7895, Madison, WI 53707-7895. To give online, go to www.intervarsity.org/donate and enter "Western Cluster Discipleship."