Raising children during the Depression was not easy, but Clara was a wonderful mother. She was an important part of the lives of her children, as well as her grandchildren as they began arriving in 1954. She loved her great grandchildren too, as they were all an important part of her life.
Clara loved to read and completing crossword puzzles. Clara’s uncle, Algot Forsberg, taught her how to do crosswords when she was around 10 years old. After her children left home, Clara worked as an office secretary at the Ellendale Elevator. In her free time she enjoyed watching classic Turner movies, as well as baseball games, especially the Minnesota Twins.
She always had a smile on her face and a good healthy laugh. When she came to the local Senior Citizens gatherings you knew it would be a good day.
Clara went to live with her daughter, Joanne, in Onalaska, Wisconsin. They were able to spend some special times together. They enjoyed going out to eat, as well as went to the Riverside Park in LaCrosse where they were able to enjoy watching the boats, pontoons, barges and yachts. They spent a great deal of time driving around the countryside and enjoyed seeing all the different birds
After Clara moved to Onalaska in 2004, Edwin and Norrine Jensen and Shirley Jensen from Ellendale, and Dennis and Judy Jensen of Albert Lea would often drive to Wisconsin to visit Clara and Joanne.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Edwin Jensen (Norrine) of Ellendale, Joanne Neuhart of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Dennis Jensen of Albert Lea; along with her daughter-in-law, Shirley Jensen of Albert Lea.
Clara is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren.
Rev. White’s two children, Ardis and Shelia, and their families also became an important part of Clara’s family. Ardis had two children, Garth and Neil, and they became the fathers of four girls.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon Jensen; husband, Rev. John White; children, Marshall Jensen and Wyman (Doreen) Jensen; son-in-law, Jim Neuhart; daughter-in-law, Judy Jensen; and great-grandson, Chad Kneesel (38 Years).
Clara was the oldest member of her family of 10. Jewell, Bud, Emmett, Roger, and Gordon Sward, Marie Heilmann, Hazel Christensen, Phyllis Lipowski, and Doris Clark also preceded her in death.
Clara was a lady in every way in her appearances, posture and stance and in the way she talked and visited with people. She had the poise and attitude of a queen. She could talk comfortably with children, strangers, friends, and neighbors. Clara will surely be missed. She had been an active part of many lives for a long, long time.
Those who have given of themselves to others will live forever in each heart they have touched.