Richard Duane Jensen

Richard Duane Jensen, 88 of Audubon passed away September 19, 2024, at his daughter’s home in rural Casey one day shy of his 89th birthday. Richard was born on September 20, 1935, on his parent's farm in Guthrie County, Iowa. He is the son of J. Edwin Jensen and Marian B (Nelson) Jensen. Richard grew up in rural Audubon County and attended country schools. Richard would tell his family stories of how he would ride his horse to school in the morning and the horse would return home on it’s own. While in high school, Richard enjoyed being a part of the football, wrestling and track teams and served as FFA President. He graduated from Audubon High School with the class of 1954. In October of 1954 Richard left for the U.S. Army where he served for two years. On February 22, 1956, he married Marlene Barnett at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Audubon. Marlene joined her husband during the last several months of his Army career and lived near Ft. Knox, KY. After his discharge from the Army, the couple began farming in Audubon County. After retiring from farming in 1990 Richard worked as a driver for Pipestone Artificial Breeders and then AMVC for many years which kept him in touch with the agricultural field and gave him the opportunity to meet many people. Everyone that knows Richard knows he never met a stranger.

Richard was a Charter member of the Audubon Church of Christ where he and Marlene played a vital role in starting the church and held many leadership positions.

Throughout the years, Richard thoroughly enjoyed attending his children’s, grandchildren’s and later great-grandchildren’s activities of football, basketball, volleyball, track, baseball and softball. He and Marlene rarely missed an event. He was well known at all Adair-Casey football games for ringing a cowbell in celebration of their touchdowns. The A-C cheerleaders awarded him the Spirit award that hung on his wall for many, many years. Some of his favorite activities have been horseback riding, square dancing, bowling, woodworking, golfing, fishing and having coffee with his friends.

Over the last few years Richard enjoyed spending time with his special friend and companion, Helen Ernst of Adair. Some of their activities included attending gospel music shows, playing cards, and visiting with friends. Helen brought a lot of joy to Richard’s life and this has been a blessing to his family.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marlene (Barnett) Jensen in 2020, his two sons, Scot Richard Jensen in 2020 and Kurtis Lee Jensen in 1978. His parents and father & mother-in-law, Cly R. & Alta M. (Baker) Barnett, an infant sister, Ardith, a brother Roger, Sister and brother-in-law, Shirley & Dan Jensen. Brothers-in-law, Richard Barnett, Rocky Barnett, Virgil Jensen and Sam Grabill.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter Traci (Dale) Clarke of Casey, Daughter-in Law Bonnie Jensen of Kauai, Hawaii; Grandchildren: Jesse (Jasmine) Clarke of Adair, Michael (Jenna) Clarke of Menlo, Stephen (Dr. Kailey) Clarke of Stuart, Katie Clarke of Charter Oak; Step-grandchildren: Kirra Steinkamp of Carroll, Dr. Greg (Ania) Banks of Kauai, Hawaii; Great-grandchildren: Hayden, Rylie, Skylar, McKinley, Myles and Isaac Clarke; Step-grandchildren: Parker, Avery and Harper Steinkamp, Maria & Iris Banks. His brothers Robert (Pam) Jensen and Clark (Chris) Jensen. Brother-in-law: Lee (Jennifer) Barnett, Sisters-in-law: Shirley Grabill, Dorothy Barnett, Kitty Jensen, Jean Barnett, Nieces, nephews and cousins who were all very special to Richard.

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Audubon Church of Christ, with Pastor Heath Hansen officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

The family will greet friends during a luncheon in the church fellowship hall following the burial.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is caring for the Jensen family at this time.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O. Box 201 Audubon, IA 50025.