Joann Lee Jensen

Joann Lee Jensen, age 82, of St. James, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at 3:30 PM on February 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, Minnesota.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church in rural Saint James. Funeral service will be held at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at the East Sveadahl Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Joann was born on April 16, 1942, in St. James, Minnesota, to Eppe Charles Conrad (Charlie) and Anna Opal (Francis) Gruis. Shortly after her birth, her family purchased a farm north of St. James, where she would make her home for more than 80 years. Joann attended Watonwan District 45 country school from first through eighth grades. She graduated from Saint James High School in 1960 and finished her education at Mankato Commercial College receiving her medical secretary degree. As a child, to keep from feeling lonely while her mom was at work, Joann would follow her father from cow to cow, helping him milk and reading aloud from her favorite book, Woofus the Wooly Dog by Jane Curry, which she still treasured. Although not her favorite task, Joann would also wash the cream separator and helped her father bale hay, driving the tractor while he pitched the bales into the wagon.

Joann’s love for service and community was evident from an early age. She was an active 4-H participant, playing pitcher for her club’s softball team and engaging in projects like cooking, gardening, and sewing. Joann’s faith was central to her life. She was confirmed at St. James Methodist Church in 1955, later joining Rosendale Lutheran Church and eventually becoming a dedicated member of East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, where she remained an active member until her passing.

Joann took great pride in her work as a medical transcriptionist for the Madelia Clinic, a career she held for 50 years. Throughout her career, she was able to witness the field of healthcare evolve and was honored by the lifelong friendships she formed with colleagues and patients.

Joann married Darryl Jensen in 1963 at Rosendale Lutheran Church, with her bridal party adorned in bright blue satin dresses. In 1967, Joann became a mother with the birth of her first child, Jill Ann, followed by her son, Jay Kent, in 1969. She found joy in raising her children and remained active in 4-H and as a volunteer for the local Relay for Life organization for 10 years. In 1995, Joann was blessed with the title of “grandma.” She took great pride in her role as grandmother to four grandchildren, four bonus grandchildren, and one great-grandson, with another expected this July.

Joann is survived by her husband of 62 years, Darryl Jensen; her son, Jay (Melissa) Jensen and daughter, Jill (Todd) Essler; her grandchildren, Morgan (Jesus) Ordaz, Whitney Jensen, Jordan Jensen, Ireland Essler; bonus grandchildren, Katie, Molly, Ty, and Abbi Essler; and her great-grandson, Zion Ordaz. She was a kind, gentle, and caring woman and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.