Earl W. Jensen

Earl W. Jensen, age 84, of Council Bluffs passed away September 24, 2014 at Bethany Lutheran Home. He was born in Council Bluffs in the family home on July 15, 1930 to the late Oluf & Amanda (Wilson) Jensen. The home after almost 100 years is still in the family. Earl had many happy memories of growing up there and the many family gatherings over the years. Earl attended Bloomer School and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. Following his graduation he was drafted and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and received three Bronze Stars. He had many hobbies and interests. He loved trains and railroad modeling. He was an avid reader. He had a passion for photography. Trains, vacations and family were documented throughout the years spanning the technological advances from film to digital. He also enjoyed to travel, whether by car and camper, trains, airplanes or cruise ships. He always had a continual fascination with seeing new places and meeting new people. Earl and Bev traveled to 48 states and many provinces in Canada. They also took escorted trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and Russia as well North Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He was also a fan of classical music and donated annually to radio station KVNO. His favorite car brand was Mercury of which he owned six over his lifetime. Earl spent 40 years with the Union Pacific Railroad as a clerk in the Stores and Purchasing Department and he enjoyed all things rail related. He was a member of U.P. Railroad Employees Club, U.P. Historical Society and the Camerail Club presenting an annual slide show. He was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of American Legion Rainbow Post #2 and the V.F.W Post #737 and the Transportation Communication Intl Union. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Jensen; sister, Ferne Jensen. Earl is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beverly; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark & Pamela Jensen and Bruce & Jane Jensen; sister, Jeanette Ryan; grandchildren, Paul Jensen & Sarah Jensen. Visitation is Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Funeral service is Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment is in the Memorial Park Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Saint John Lutheran Church - 633 Willow Ave in Council Bluffs. Memorials are suggested to Saint John Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.