Joann B. Jensen
February 23, 2020
Joann B. (Milburn) Jensen, 86 years old, passed away on February 23, 2020 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 29 at 10:30 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue in Urbandale. Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines.
Joann was born in Flint, Michigan on March 18, 1933, daughter of Boyd and Iona (Sanders) Milburn. Joann grew up in Michigan and Illinois, her family moved often following her father’s career in the automobile industry. After high school graduation in Flint, MI, she continued her education at Northwestern University. Joann met her husband of 62 years, William “Bill” Jensen, when Bill attended General Motors Institute of Technology. They were married on May 23, 1953 and moved to Des Moines, Iowa to start their life together.
Joann was devoted to her family. She supported Bill in his life’s work at Crescent Chevrolet and his involvement in the Shriners. She attended as many events as possible, to watch her loved ones play ball, swim and perform at their varied interests. Joann has always been active at her church. It was important to her, that she raise her children in the church and to have faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. She was a great organizer and very generous. Joann volunteered for over 50 years at Iowa Lutheran Hospital and for 25 years installing Lifelines. She was always active, either at Hyperion Golf & Country Club, bowling or playing cards, especially bridge.
She is survived by her children, Sherrie (Steve) Richey, Bill Jr. (Marti) Jensen, Julie (Dennis) McGowan and Jim (Amy) Jensen; grandchildren, Jess (Carla) Richey, Laura Jensen, David Richey, Scott Jensen, Kevin McGowan, Emily McGowan (Corey Jordan), Erica Jensen, Anders Jensen, Dane Jensen and Roy Jensen; great-grandchildren, Kaisa, JJ, Zander, Roman and Aiden. Joann was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, and brother Jim Milburn.
Joann’s family would like to thank her entire team of caregivers and doctors, including the staff at Scottish Rite Park, Iowa Methodist Medical Center Powell 3 and Iowa Lutheran Hospital ICU and Emergency Department.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital, Grace Lutheran Church or Iowa Lutheran Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Joyce Halter
03/14/2021
Sorry to hear of Joanns passing.. my good friend since high school and also my maid of honor. I will miss her greatly and our telephone talks were always very special. God Bless you all ....
Allison Fleming
03/04/2020
We were out of the country and I just learned of Joanns death. For years we sat in front of Joann and Bill and then Joann at the Iowa Cubs. A lovely, lovely lady.
Teena (Shineflew) McIntire
02/29/2020
My parents Ken and Pat Shineflew met the Jensens through the Shriners. I always loved meeting up with them at the events and for the mini bikers parades, and especially when tailgating at the Iowa Oaks games!
Joann always made me feel so wonderful with her warm and welcoming ways. She was really special and will be missed by many.
Michael Klus
02/28/2020
Bill Jr., Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My condolences to your family during this difficult time
Cindy & Hollie Smith
02/28/2020
Dear Jensen Family ~ so sad and sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother Joann. She was such a positive spirit and inspiration for so many of us. When she greeted someone, her focus was entirely on that person~she had such a caring heart and soul....a genuine kind person. Prayers and love to all of your wonderful families.
Becky Cady
02/27/2020
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joanne. The last three years my
Late husband and I sat next to her at The Iowa CUbs game. What a delight she was. So many changes. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
David E. "Dave" Beery
02/27/2020
In January, 2002 I met Joann and her husband Bill when my then wife, Deb Beery, and I were each received into the membership of Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15. Over the past 18 years it has been a special pleasure to know and associate with Bill, Joann and their wonderful family. Joann was a fun-loving, generous and kind woman. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
Anne (Gladstone) McMorrow
02/27/2020
I have such wonderful memories of Joann and the Jensen family. Sending love to all of you as you celebrate her life.
Jane Schneider Gilchrist
02/26/2020
Julie and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Praying for you all.
George and Janet Hanusa
02/25/2020
We feel so fortunate to have gotten to know Joann in the two years we have lived on the same floor at Scottish Rite Park, and we feel a big empty place, both on our floor, but especially in our hearts. Our sympathy to all of her family. God be with you.
Lynne Milburn
02/25/2020
Aunt Joann never missed my birthday or a Christmas! Considering how many kids and grandkids she had, she still had time for her Milburn niece and nephews.
Just this past year she and I were talking about our family tree and she scoured her files and sent me a full file of her years of genealogical research.
There are so many wonderful memories I have of our Aunt Joann but the most striking was how embracing she was of my relationships. With her strong religious beliefs I wrongly assumed she would have a hard time. But with her, she just cared about me no matter what. To me, thats the love Jesus taught.
I will miss her greatly.
I am very appreciative of the care given by my cousins. I know she was clearly love until the very end.
Vicki Berberich
02/25/2020
Dear Jensen Family,
I have had the honor of being friends with Joann for many years. Joann gave her heart to Iowa Lutheran Hospital, over 50 years of volunteering here! I will miss your Mom's smile, her laugh and all of our great conversations. Joann holds a special place in my heart. God Bless you all,
Vicki
Ginny Kerr
02/25/2020
Jensen Family,
We are so sorry for your loss; Joann will always have a very special place in our hearts at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. She made a difference in so many ways over the many years that she has been involved at ILH. She served as a volunteer, a leader of the ILH Auxiliary and cared deeply for every position that she held.
She was kind, considerate, and by far way ahead of her time when it came to technology. Joann was a great example for many to give back to our community in a very positive way.
When I first came to Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Joann was very kindhearted to me in the Volunteer Services Office. I will always remember her welcoming spirit.
Marlene Churchill
02/25/2020
Jensen Family, I'm so sad to hear Joann has passed. She was such a dear friend to our family, most especially to our mom. I hope you find peace in your new normal. Bless you all.
Kelly Reed and Family
02/24/2020
Jensen Family,
I am sad to hear of Joann's passing. She was always so engaging and friendly to me and my family. There will always be a special place in our hearts for her.