Rachel Jensen

Rachel Louise Jensen, 101, of Exira, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Rachel was born on August 3, 1920, in rural Story County, Iowa, the daughter of James and Mary Townsend Sowers. She was an Iowa farm girl at heart and lived most of her life on the family farm. In 1938, she graduated as valedictorian of her Fernald High School class, and up until a few years ago, she regularly attended her class reunions. She always looked forward to and enjoyed these reunions.

She was united in marriage to Harold Jensen on January 8, 1940. They resided and raised five children on the now century-old farm outside of Brayton. She lived each day for the day and enjoyed the simple things in life. Throughout her well-lived life, she was a master at many things: gardening, cooking, sewing, quilting, crocheting, and various other crafts. She made many afghans, quilts, dolls, and clothes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She debuted on IPTV with one of her quilt projects a number of years ago. There were many items entered in the local county fair of which she treasured her blue ribbons for. She could whip up the best home-cooked meal any day of the week for anyone that stopped by. Her desserts and homemade Christmas candies never disappointed. There were so many special recipes, which are included in the cookbook she authored while residing at the Exira Care Center. She gardened until the year she turned 97 and moved into the care center. Friends and family were always a big part of her life and she made everyone feel special. Countless birthdays, graduations, weddings, and other special gatherings were blessed with her attendance. Many memories have been made throughout this 101-plus-year journey. She will be missed by many and forever loved for the beautiful person she was.

Rachel is survived by four of her five children: Marilyn Dill of West Des Moines, Robert Jensen of rural Brayton, James (Jim) Jensen of Elkhorn, and Charles (Charlie) Jensen of Marne. She has been blessed with 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Townsend Sowers; husband, Harold Jensen; sisters, Lena Causer and Velda Gluck; brother, Gerald Sowers; and most recently one of her beloved daughters, Delores (Dee) Reilly.

Rachel, also known as mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma, aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt, sister-in-law, friend, was ready to go “home” and would want us to find peace with this and know she loved each and every one us. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Private family services are going to be held. Burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA.

Memorials may be directed to the family in honor of Rachel, they will be designated to some of her favorite local charities, and they may be mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Arrangements are pending with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita, IA.