Marylou Jane ''Mary'' Jensen

Mary Jensen, 68, of Madelia, MN passed away in her home on Monday, October 5th, 2015. She will be remembered for her gentle kindness and for opening both her heart and her home to many daycare and foster children. MaryLou Jane Oates was born and raised in Madelia, MN. After a whirlwind romance, she married Dennis Jensen on December 14th, 1963. They were blessed with 5 children: Brent, Jody, Tim, Caryn, and Kayla. She stayed home to care for her growing family until later years, she began to work as a waitress. Mary then began to provide foster care and daycare for children whom she treated as her own. Her patience and ability to see only the good in everyone was a quality that will never be forgotten. She treasured her family and enjoyed spending time with her 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The debate on who is truly the favorite was never decided, although Hailey continues to stake claim on this title. Mary enjoyed many hobbies, including traveling, making fleece blankets, reading, using her computer, going to garage sales, and making her famous breakfast for anyone who might walk in the door. While we mourn this devastating loss, Mary's loving memory and the impact she made on so many lives will surely leave its mark on this world. We will continue to honor her legacy by remembering to love others without limitations, as she always did. Forever in our hearts. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Jensen; sisters, Marlene Conn and Susan (Frank) Marka; children, Brent (Julie) Jensen, Jody Jensen, Tim (Mindy) Jensen, Caryn (Drew) Nelson, Kayla (James Sprouse) Jensen; grandchildren, Brendon, Caleb, Carissa, Brooklyn, Nadine, Adam, Parker, Caitlyn, Hailey, Colton, Carson, Matthew and Kaylee; two great-grandchildren, Reese and Kaydon, and countless foster children we know as our family, including Jessica, Melissa, Elizabeth Blackstad and "Little" Mary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Agnes Oates; sister, Donna Hagen; brothers-in-law, Vurley Conn, Richard Hagen, Bruce Hatch and Terry Jensen; sisters-in-law, Elaine Jensen and Lois Archerd, as well as her nephew and Godson, Derek Archerd. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, October 8, 2015 Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel 303 E. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Friday, October 9, 2015 Faith Lutheran Church-Madelia 306 Abbott Ave. SW Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 10:30 am Friday, October 9, 2015 Faith Lutheran Church-Madelia 306 Abbott Ave. SW Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Rosendale Lutheran Cemetery Rosendale Twp rural Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56081 Reception A luncheon and time of fellowship will take place immediately following interment.