Service Details
In accordance with Lois’ wishes, a celebration of her long, beautiful life will be held privately.
Lois E. Jensen, age 95, of Racine, passed away on March 12, 2025.
Lois was born in Racine on July 30, 1929, to the late Russell Sage Schaffer and Frances Elizabeth (nee: Crilley) Schaffer.
On May 21, 1949, she was united in marriage and joy, in Racine, to Victor A. Jensen who preceded her in death on April 22, 1974. She took care of Vic at home during his last year and then held him in her heart and mind until joining him now, 51 years later.
If you were looking for Lois, chances are you would find her in the garden, her own, or others. She became a Certified Master Gardner in her 80’s but hardly needed the endorsement. Her gardens were proof of her lifelong dedication to all growing things, and she lent both her labor and expertise to many public gardens around Racine and Kenosha for many years. She loved flowers.
A lifelong birdwatcher, Lois spent countless hours at her kitchen’s “Magic Window,” on the lookout for the thousands of birds who took advantage of the copious food and water she supplied for over 50 years. Pictures of the backyard pond and waterfall she created were featured at the National Wildlife Federation’s Annual Wild Bird and Backyard Habitat Expo. But her biggest thrill was having Chickadees eat seeds, and Cat Birds eat grapes, from her hand. She loved sharing stories and talking about birds with her cherished friends, Joe and Barb Vass.
As a lifelong volunteer, Lois began community service during WWII as a “Candy Striper,” working in the local maternity ward. In the 1950’s she participated in the drive to eradicate polio by registering local school children for their vaccinations. She loved it when each child would step up and recite his or her name and address for her.
Lois was an extraordinarily talented, self-taught, knitter. It is safe to say that every person she ever knew became the recipient of some knitted treasure she made. It is not an exaggeration to say that she made and donated hundreds of precious baby hats to a local hospital where she also served as a “Pink Lady” after her retirement.
Lois was employed for 20+ years at the Bank of Elmwood as Bookkeeping Manager and made dear friends there. They continued as the “Lunch Bunch” for many years and she enjoyed retelling the stories they shared. Lois also shared a special bond with her friend of 90+ years, Janice Tomasek. Her “second daughter,” Debbie Wrobel, brought her joy in so many things.
Along with her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by her son, Gary A. Jensen. Remembrance of his loss was, at times, overwhelming for her. Remembrance of his life sustained her. She loved her children and family, and they deeply loved her.
Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia J. Jensen, her daughter-in-law, Pamela (Ingrouille) Jensen; grandson, Alan V. Jensen; granddaughter, Dr. Jennifer (Todd) Garland; and great-grandsons, Harper and Kesler Garland. So proud was she of her family that she would often get choked up before she could finish expressing her feelings about them. A deeply shy person who never sought the limelight, Lois lived a life of quiet generosity. Her family, although small, was her life’s purpose.
Also preceding Lois in death were her three sisters, Doris Zielinski, Irene Krinkey, and Katherine Kopecky, and her lifelong friends, Bergith and Al DeRose.
In accordance with Lois’ wishes, a celebration of her long, beautiful life will be held privately.
Sign the Guestbook