Papa Jensen

We have lost another special Papa in our lives.  God called Papa Jensen to heaven on Saturday morning at 5:00am.  We know that he is rejoicing with his lovely bride Dorothy at his side and my Dad in his wings.  We are all a little overwhelmed by all the grieving we have been doing over the last 4 months.  I know there are feelings of guilt, sadness and thankfulness.  My mom was able to be at his side until the time he took his last breath like she was for her own mother and my Dad.  I can't imagine leaving this world with no one beside me and I am very thankful that she was able to hold his hand as he stepped out to hold Jesus' hand.  My Mom is a woman of strength, compassion and love.  We have all built our roots on  faith and a good strong family.  I am thankful to have had my parents, model what my grandparents showed me about love and devotion and I know my Mom echoes exactly that about her parents and grandparents.  Rest in sweet peace Grandpa.  We will truly miss our Papa Jensen. 

Here is the obituary we all wrote today: 

Gordon M. Jensen, 84, of Grand Island, Nebraska, formerly of Callaway and Overton, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Good Samaritan Village in Grand Island.

He was born April 15, 1927, at Palmer, Nebraska to Horace V. and Christina (Williamsen) Jensen. He attended school at Callaway and graduated from Oconto High School with the class of 1945. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Louisiana. Upon his discharge he returned to Nebraska where he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and Kearney State College.

Gordon married the love of his life, Dorothy A. Shea on June 7, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oconto. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Dan and Peggy. Dorothy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1953. Gordon cared for and loved his Dorothy until her death on June 5, 2004.
He worked as the Grain Elevator Manager for many years in Oconto and Overton and then for the village of Overton. He then went to work for Monroe Auto in Cozad where he retired. In 1995, he and Dorothy moved to Callaway where he resided until moving to Grand Island in May of 2011.

Gordon played a mean game of Cribbage and loved playing cards, bridge and chess. He enjoyed Suduko and discussing politics. He was a historian and avid photographer. Gordon was an honest, intelligent, kind-hearted man who was very devoted to his family. He never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special occasion with a card or a call.

Survivors include:
One son and daughter-in-law: Dan & Deb Jensen of Johnson Lake, NE
One daughter: Peggy Wirth of Grand Island, NE
Two brothers: Russell & Lois Jensen of Sun City, AZ, Bob & Osa Jensen of Grand Island, NE

Four grandchildren: Brandon & Michele Jensen of Aurora, CO; Damon Wirth of Bennet, NE; Kaitlyn & Erin Bright of Lincoln, NE; Kimberley & Chris Beddow of Parker, CO

Four great-grandchildren: Henry & Julia Bright and Lewis & Nolan Beddow

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, Hervey & Dwayne Jensen; one son-in-law, Larry Wirth and brothers-in-law, Eugene Shea & Richard Shea

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton, Nebraska with Reverend Jose Chavez officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the Overton Cemetery at Overton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011, from 6-7 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton.