Paul Edward Jensen age 92, of Ames, died at Green Hills Healthcare on October 31, 2022. A celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, at Gilbert Lutheran Church, 135 School Street, Gilbert, Iowa. Private family inurnment will be at Gilbert Cemetery, Gilbert, Iowa.
Paul Edward Jensen was born October 6, 1930 in Ames, Iowa, the son of Holger and Agnes Florence (Swanson) Jensen. He attended Gilbert High School. At the age of 21, he went into the US Air Force serving 8 years on active duty and 13 years in the reserves. He married Alyce Matters on February 15, 1951, in Ames. Together they built their lifelong farming business from nothing. The couple reared their three children on the farm where Paul's hobby was that of work. Paul was a farmer with a very strong work ethic--always needing to work to accomplish his self-worth. He would go on vacation, and he couldn't return soon enough to check on his hogs. He owned many acres of land and raised thousands of hogs over 60 years. He was still farming until his death--cash renting his farm ground. His strong work ethic has been instilled in his children and grandchildren. Alyce died just short of their 49th wedding anniversary. After Alyce's death, Paul met Diane Pelz and they have been companions for the last twenty plus years. Paul loved his family, his extended family, his friends, and he never knew a stranger. He enjoyed family events, Tuesday night hamburgers, and square dancing.
Paul is survived by his children, Jane Thompson of Kansas City, John Paul Jensen of Ames, Lea Fagervik of Boone; grandchildren, Nick Rosenberry, Jaci (Mike) Dean, Ben Rosenberry, Katie Thompson, Joe Jensen (Ayla Repp), Michaela Jensen (Rod Jones), Andy (Anna) Fagervik, and Alex (Jim) Roth; six great grandchildren; sisters, Anna Wicks of Ankeny, Amy Benson of Eau Claire; and brother, Fred Jensen of Ames.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Alyce; and his brothers, Richard, Dan, Jim, and Bob Jensen.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to, Practical Farmers of Iowa: practicalfarmersofiowa.org. or Iowa Chapter of FFA.
Online condolences may be directed to, wwwgrandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
What a delight to meet Uncle Paul when I married his nephew Cliff back in 1971! He was so friendly and always welcomed us into his home when we visited from SC. Our little guys Loved his tractors and big machines! Our children have fond memories of him there, and when he and Aunt Alyce visited Cliff’s parents here. And, then, he and Diane came back here to visit us even after Dick and Mickey passed!
Our love, prayers and condolences are with you as you celebrate his beautiful life and mourn his absence. May God bless you all!
Debbie Stumbo
Absolutely the hardest worker I ever meet. He made work fun. So many fond memories working alongside of. Go rest high on that mountain Paul. I will forever be grateful to you!!
There won’t be another like him!!
An extremely good man, friend and confidant. I will miss him greatly but remember so many things about Paul that give me a great appreciation of his good life.
Larry Conley
Diane and combined families,
My heartfelt sympathies to each of you on losing your companion of almost 20 years, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa, etc.
Diane, I enjoyed Paul and you so much at Windsor Oaks independent living and being my neighbors.
We had so much fun shooting pool with Paul, playing 3-13 card game Friday nights, potlucks, etc.
Wow, 92 years young! I'll never forget him bringing his HS graduation photo with all those curly locks!!
May God comfort you all now and in the days, months, and years ahead with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up.
RIP Paul; I think of you everytime I use the elevator YOU donated here at Windsor Oaks.
Betty Gordon, Ames
Service
Gilbert, IA 50105
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