Karen Jensen
March 13, 2017
Karen Eileen Jensen (Murphy) died at her home in Ankeny on Monday, March 13, 2017, due to pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines with a private family burial at Greenwood Friends Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening at the funeral home from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Karen was born in Des Moines, Iowa on September 2, 1944, and graduated from Saydel High School in 1963. She continued to reside and work in Des Moines until she married John Jensen on February 7, 1970, in Elkhart, Iowa. From then on, Karen worked with John to start and grow their family farm and raise three children outside Ankeny, Iowa.
Karen was a kind, funny, and hardworking woman who was a wonderful mother and had a healthy outlook on life. She could do anything she put her mind to. She was an excellent bookkeeper for the farming operation and was known to have everything down to the penny. Karen enjoyed old-time country music, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Karen is survived by her husband of 47 years, John; children, John W. (Linda), Kristen (Rishi), and Ryan (Christie); grandchildren Katie, Caitlyn, Lane, and Jahnu; mother, Dorothy Murphy; sisters, Janet Murphy and Sandie (Terry) Heitter; as well as other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Murphy.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Hospice in loving memory of Karen.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Barb Pick
03/31/2017
So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. My condolences to the Jensen family.
Kim & Glen White
03/18/2017
We did not know Karen personally, but know her son Ryan and his wife Christie. She must have been an exceptional woman because the family we are so fond of are wonderful people.
You're in our prayers . May Gods grace and unfailing love bring you peace.
Brad Boelling
03/18/2017
My condolences to John, Johnny, Kristen, Ryan and family. Some of my fondest memories are of working many of my summers with the Jensen Farms family. My heart goes out to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Sending positive energy and love your way from Arlington Texas.
Jimmy Meyers
03/16/2017
My most heartfelt condolences to John, Johnny, Kristen, Ryan and the Jensen family may you find comfort and harmony in the days ahead. A wife, a mother, a delightful and gentle soul that was truly a blessing in life, a blessing that shall forever remain in the hearts of many. May she rest in eternal peace.
Mary Hoobin Huffman
03/16/2017
So sorry for your loss condolences to the entire family. You are in my prayers and thoughts stay strong for each other.
Ole & Becky Wibholm
03/16/2017
Our heartfelt condolences to your entire family. We pray for your strength at this difficult time.
Sheila & Rodney Miller
03/16/2017
Our condolences to the Murphy & Jensen families.
Karel & Jerry Ruttenburg
03/15/2017
Our condolences go out to the John Jensen family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susie Pickhardt, Monsanto Grinnell
03/15/2017
So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I'll keep you all in my prayers. Sending hugs.
PK and Rupa Srivastava
03/15/2017
Our condolences to the entire Jensen Family. May you be granted strength and peace during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
CJ Faulkner
03/15/2017
I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of Karen. She was always a very kind and intelligent lady. I appreciate her help throughout the wheat harvest and for continued collaboration through my work. My family and I are thinking about you all.
Jacinda stanton
03/15/2017
Mrs.Jensen was funny , intelligent and fiercely devoted to friends and family. She always tried to help in anyway she could and it's inspiring to see those traits she passed to her children. I always admired her personal strength.
Sylvia Perry
03/15/2017
John & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a wonderful lady Karen was.
Love to all
Sylvia &a Steve Perry
Sally Lawson
03/15/2017
I am sorry to know that Karen has passed. I have known her sister Jan Murphy for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Karen's family and friends. You have lost a wonderful and caring person.
Laurie James-Lenz
03/14/2017
John, johnny, Kristen and Ryan, so sorry for the passing of your beloved wife and mother. Please know that we are praying and thinking of you all at this difficult time! The James Family (Tony, Paula, Jason and Laurie)