Danny Lee Jensen

Danny Lee Jensen passed away Monday December 14, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, due to complications from COVID-19; he was 83 years old. Dan was born November 28, 1937. He grew up on a rural farm near Fiscus, Iowa, the middle child of second generation Danish immigrants Elmer and Vera Jensen.

As a boy he milked cows with his father, fished in the creeks with his brother, and patiently drove a little pony cart for his sister. He attended a one-room country school, Douglas #3, where he excelled at softball. The family were members of Merrill’s Grove Baptist Church where Dan shared his beautiful voice with the choir. On Saturdays he and his brother Jerry would sneak into the local movie theater to watch their favorite matinee cowboys, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, on the silver screen. Later in life, a dream came true when he met and was photographed with Roy Rogers.

Dan graduated from Audubon High School in 1956 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Joan Jensen, on January 18, 1959. He proudly served in the Iowa National Guard and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, with the distinction of sharpshooter. He became a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa and taught Sunday School there for many years. Dan loved his horses and all animals, and found solace working in the barn and walking the fields and woods around his home. His grandchildren were always curious why Grandpa was not to be found when Santa made his annual visit to the Christmas gathering. Most of all, Dan loved sharing stories of his childhood with anyone who would listen. And we always wanted to listen.

Dan was a furniture salesman at The Audubon Furniture Mart for 63 years. He enjoyed his customers and teasing his co-workers, who were also some of his best friends. He will be remembered as a hard-working and gentle man who loved and valued his family and friends.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Shirley Jensen; his children, daughter Deb McKnight and her husband Rich; two sons, Jay Jensen and Rod Jensen and his wife Mary Kay. Dan was the best father and husband. He was a steadfast, positive, loving influence and role model to his children who will admire him forever.
Preceding him in death were sister-in-law Marlene Jensen and brothers-in-law Sam Grabill and Roger Jensen. Survivors include his sister, Joan, and husband Jerry Davis of Camdenton MO; brother, Jerry, and wife Treva Jensen of Audubon; sister-in-law Shirley Grabill of Audubon; brothers-in-law Richard Jensen, Robert and wife Pam Jensen of Audubon; Clark and wife Chris Jensen of Ankeny.

Dan leaves six grandchildren; Angela Jensen-Blackford of Omaha, NE, Erik Jensen of Berkeley, CA, Christina Jensen of Minneapolis, MN, Lindsey Stock of Urbandale, Amy Guenther of Cedar Falls, and Drew Groteluschen of Huxley, IA; nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom love him and will miss him always.

Shirley and Dan’s children wish to thank all the family and many dear friends for their prayers and expressions of sympathy and concern during this difficult time.