Obituary of Lois Jensen

Lois (Iversen) Jensen died October 10, 2018 at Briarwood Healthcare Center in Iowa City from complications of COPD. She donated her body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Her life will be celebrated along with the lives of other donors at a future Deeded Body Memorial Service.

Lois was born March 20, 1932 in Boone, Iowa and grew up on the family ranch near Wendt, South Dakota, the first child of Christian and Ruth (Samuel) Iversen.

She was valedictorian of her class at T. F. Riggs High School in Pierre and continued her education at Yankton College.

She married Jon Jensen on December 26, 1952 at the Little Brown Church. They were later divorced.

Lois began her working life as a secretary in executive, legal, and medical settings. She later had a supervisory position for The Hartford Insurance Company. From there Lois went to Illinois College, where she served on the residence life staff for 27 years.

Lois loved empowering young women as a Girl Scout leader. In her later life, Lois enjoyed collecting. Lois was a great beauty with a gift for being the life of any party. Her laughter could fill a room.

Those left to carry on her gifts include her daughter, Jonna Jensen; her grandson, Noah Jensen Tabor (KC Claussen); the great-grand-dog who had her heart,Monté; and her former son-in-law, Eric Tabor (Michael Youngstrom). Lois is also survived by her brothers, Frank (Pat) Iversen and John (Jeanette) Iversen; her sisters, Judy Marshall (Art Runge), Grace (Russ) Freeburg, and Janet Iversen; her half-brother, Larry Iversen; and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her sisters Florence Kraft, Mary Tabbert, Nancy Iversen, and Christie Iversen; her half-brothers Dudley Iversen and Donald Iversen; and her half-sisters Dolores Thode Nichols and Phylis Keys. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jeanne Marie.

Memorial gifts will be shared with the Girl Scouts of America and the Illinois College Fund. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Lois’ family extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Briarwood Healthcare Center, Essence of Life Hospice, and Gay-Ciha Funeral Home for their kindness.