Dorothy Verena Jensen

Dorothy Verena Jensen, 90, died April 11, 2004, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford in the presence of her family. She was born at home in Rushford on October 9, 1913, the Jensen's seventh child. Her father, Carl C. Jensen, had been a country school teacher for a few years. In 1900 he bought half interest in the furniture and undertaking business in Rushford. That same year, he married Dorothy's mother, Annette Gaarden Jensen. They built a home across from the narrow park in front of the school in 1903. Dorothy lived in that house her entire life until moving to the nursing home four years ago. She graduated from Rushford High School in 1931. Each of the six Jensen children who grew to adulthood, attended St. Olaf College; however Dorothy's college education ended after two years because of the financial hardship of the depression. Dorothy came back to Rushford to work in the store where her fater had become sole owner. That began a long tenure of assisting with funerals, "keeping the books", and clerking for her father, and eventually, for her brother Bert who succeeded in the family mortuary business. Always the "undertaker's daughter", she recalled details of countless funerals and never tired of reading obituaries. A treasured childhood memory was her most fashionable doll buggy, beautifully outfitted with the satin samples given by casket salesmen and sewed by her mother. Besides working in the store, Dorothy became the family's official caretaker. She cared for her sister Myrtle, and her parents for years during their final illnesses. She was often called upon to do child care when her nieces and nephews were born. Then she would deliver a Jensen Furniture deluxe baby buggy to the family. She was a lifelong member of Rushford Lutheran Church, joined its ladies groups, and taught Sunday School Classes, as well as being a member of the Eastern Star in Rushford. After Good Shepherd Lutheran Home opened in 1965, she switched careers and became a dedicated nursing assistant until retiring. Dorothy Verna is survived by her twelve nieces and nephews: Carl, Eric, David, Robert, Mary Louise, Maureen, Margaret, James, Harold, Mary Annette, Lois, and Richard, all living in far away places. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Myrtle, and an infant sister; brothers: Clifford, Otto, Bertram, and Milford. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2004, at the Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Peterson, Minn. with the Rev. David Watson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.