Final Salute

Theodore Hans Jensen 4/2/1934 – 1/29/2024

Theodore (Ted) Hans Jensen, 89 of Madrid, IA, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 29. A celebration of his life will be at the Madrid VFW Legion Hall and private interment at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Van Meter, IA will be held at a later date.

Ted was born April 2, 1934, in Madrid, IA, the fourth of six children of Anton Lausen Jensen and Jorgine Hansine Muurmann Jensen.

Following his graduation from Madrid Public High School in 1952, he farmed with his father while serving in the U.S. Naval Reserves for four years. He then served two years of active service (1955-1957) in the Navy Seabees Battalion in the Philippine Islands.

He met Colleen (Co) Patricia Duncan and their romance continued via the U.S. Postal Service while Ted served overseas. Upon his return they married in Boone, IA on September 10, 1957. They celebrated their fiftieth anniversary shortly before Colleen’s passing in September 2008.

They had four children who brought Ted, love, fun, a little distraction and a full head of white hair. He became the active, energetic and fun grandfather to three grandsons, Devin, Nels, and Anton.

After his military service, Ted earned master carpenter status, and with his mentor, Walt Mogensen, built several homes in Madrid, including his parent’s home south of Madrid. Later he left for employment with John Deere DM Works, Ankeny, IA. During his thirty years there he worked in many departments, eventually becoming lead carpenter in the maintenance department. He was a lifelong member of the U.A.W. Local 450 Union.

After retiring from John Deere, Ted drove a school bus for Johnston Community School District for eleven years. His young passengers respected him, and he enjoyed them so much.

Ted and Colleen owned a cabin in Clear Lake, IA, where the family spent summers. Here, they welcomed family and friends and laughs to share.

Ted was proud of his Danish heritage, was a member of the Danish Brotherhood and attended meetings and conferences. He flew on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #115, Madrid.

Ted’s later years were filled with friends and fellowship at the Madrid VFW Post 5060.

Ted was cherished by his family and friends; will be forever remembered in our hearts.

Survivors include two daughters; Piper (Rory) Kuhljuergen, Norwalk, Polly (Harold) Olson, Madrid; two sons, Dave (Renee Santi) Jensen, Madrid, Darren (Linda) Jensen, Norwalk; three grandsons, Devin Kuhljuergen, Story City, Nels (Stephany) Olson, Manning, Anton (Bethany) Olson, Cape Coral, FL; eight great grandchildren, Fallen Caldwell Kuhljuergen, Granger, Keldi, Amos, Axsel, Thea, Manning; and Aiden, Rylee, Oakley, Cape Coral; brother Harold M. Jensen, Ames; sister, Carol A. Mills, Park City, UT; sisters-in-laws, Frances Meneough, Norwalk, Mary Jensen, Madrid; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen; parents; brothers; Lawrence, Kenneth; sister, Kathryn; brothers-in-laws; Ernest Anderson, James Webb, Mick Meneough; sisters-in-laws Dorothy Jensen, Carole Jensen, Joan Webb.

Special thanks to Teddy’s nurses from Care Initiatives Hospice in WDM, his family physician, Abbey Bennett, ARNP, DNP, FNP-C, & to the Madrid Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Madrid VFW Post 5060, Care Initiatives Hospice, or to the Madrid Home.

Arrangements by Des Moines Cremation
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