Harvey Leroy Jensen

Harvey Leroy Jensen, the son of Chris H. and Nina Lund Jensen, was born December 31, 1922, west of Audubon, Iowa and died April 13, 2009, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa at the age of 86 years, 3 months, and 13 days.
Harvey was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa He attended rural schools in Viola and Melville Townships, Audubon County, Iowa. He later attended Exira High School, graduating with the Class of 1941. After graduation he farmed with his father until he was inducted into the U.S. Navy on August 8, 1944. During his tour of duty he served in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged on June 8, 1946, and returned to Exira and continued to farm raising cattle, hogs and crops.
On October 23, 1949, he was united in marriage to Carrie Poulsen at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. Two sons, Greg and Mark, were born to this union.
Harvey was an active member of the Exira Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and several committees. He was also on the Audubon County Hospital Board. He was a member of the Ballou Post No. 332, American Legion in Exira, where last year, he received his 60 year membership award. Harvey shipped cattle in the Operation T-Bone in Audubon. In 1966, he served as the President of the Audubon County Beef Producers. In 1974, he received the Iowa Soil Conservation Achievement Award.
Harvey made many trips to Las Vegas, NV to visit his sisters. He enjoyed farm life and playing cards. Harvey was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 1986. He was forced to retire in 1995 due to his failing health. He moved into the Exira Care Center in February of 2006.
Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister, Darlene Hilsabeck.
Survivors include his wife Carrie Jensen of Exira, IA; his sons: Greg and Chris Jensen of Hamlin, IA; Mark and Tracy Jensen of Moorhead, MN; his granddaughters: Katie Jensen of West Des Moines, IA; First Lieutenant Molly Jensen of Balad, Iraq and fiance First Lieutenant Justin Thornburg of Vicenza, Italy; Laura Jensen and Jordan Jensen, both of Moorhead; his brothers and sisters: Norma and Bob Roberts of Las Vegas; Doris and Marvin Jorgensen of Exira; Dale and Avis Jensen of Mason City, IA; his brother-in-law Harvey and Betty Poulsen of Audubon, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery.

Visitation:
The family will meet friends Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Kathy Wicks on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 1:30 P.M. at Exira Lutheran Church.