Carol Ann Jensen

WINONAAfter a courageous journey with breast cancer, Carol Ann Jensen, 55 of Winona, MN passed away at home Thursday, May 28, 2015 surrounded by family and friends.Carol was born on December 13, 1959 and was the fourth child of Orville and Betty Jensen. She grew up on a farm near Preston, MN and graduated from Preston Fountain High School as their Salutatorian. In 1982 Carol graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, and she earned her Master's Degree in Business Administration from Winona State University in 1990. Before Winona became Carol's home, she lived in Gallup, New Mexico and Hillsboro, Oregon with her daughter's father, Fred King. She then lived in Chatfield, MN and worked in the pharmacy department at St. Marys Hospital for eight years. Carol moved to Winona in 1992 and taught Small Business Management classes at Winona Technical College. She was an adjunct faculty member for Concordia School of Adult Learning, Rochester Community College, and St. Mary's University. Carol was recognized as a top consultant for the Small Business Development Center in Rochester and was elected as a delegate in the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business.Carol owned and operated many businesses in her life. Her first was Tailor Maid of Winona in 1981. She then began a food buying club in Rochester in 1989. In 1990 she started her management and consulting business, Jensen Business Development, and helped hundreds of people begin businesses in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Carol was also a professional guardian and conservator for people with disabilities.Carol was active in the community as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winona, Chamber of Commerce, the Winona Training Exchange, and a member of 12-step groups. She was a founding member of Winona Dakota Unity Alliance and a board member of Winona Volunteer Services and Bluff Country Cooperative. She also was a member of the Minnesota Association for Guardians and Conservators.Over the years, Carol created nearly 100 quilts, and her gifted spirit was reflected in her love of gardening and singing. She sang in both high school and college choirs and with the Winona Oratorio Chorus. Carol believed in these words: "We are hungry for truth, we are thirsty for compassion, we're in need of truth, we will work for change."Carol is survived by her loving daughter, Nicolle Jensen of Santa Fe, New Mexico; her father, Orville Jensen of Preston; four sisters, Pam (Rod) Nelson of Chatfield, Karen Jensen of Rochester, Angela Jensen (John Cordes) of Wanamingo, and Julie Jensen (Mike Eidenschink) of Randolph; nieces and nephews, Jeff Junge, Luke Junge, Jeremy Jensen, April Jensen, Tyler Nelson, Lindsey Nelson, Jesse Meyer, Shane Meyer, and Clay Romanoski.She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty.Memorials are preferred and will be donated to Carol's favorite charities and organizations.A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2015 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Celebration of Carol's life will be held at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6 at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior. A reception will follow. Burial will take place at a later date in Preston.Please share a memory of Carol with her family, view her video tribute, and read her complete life story at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/601750