Wallace Jensen

Wallace Dwayne Jensen was born February 28, 1925, the son of Leslie and Hattie Schoessler Jensen. He passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at the St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 88.
Wally was born on a farm near Westside, Iowa. He received his education in the Westside Community School, graduating with the class of 1942. After completing his education, Wally farmed with his dad. He and his father were baptized in Christ on May 12, 1943, at the Evangelical Parsonage in Mapleton, Iowa by Rev. Otte. On August 25, 1945, Wally was united in marriage to Leta Luetje at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, Iowa, by Rev. Theo Tews. He was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia on October 5, 1945, by Rev. Tews. The couple made their home on a farm north of Westside and were blessed with the birth of three daughters. In 1956 they purchased a farm west of Vail where Wally continued to farm. It was during this time that Jensen and Daughters show lambs filled the summer months. The family endeavor took them to many livestock 4-H shows and culminated with a champion market lamb at the Iowa State Fair. Wally served as a leader for the Vail Volunteers 4-H club during those years. In 1967 they moved to Westside, where he went into sales for Triple F Feeds, Cesh Hog Confinement, and Bohlmann, Inc. While working for Bohlmann, Inc. he enjoyed manning their state fair booths and their product displays at other shows in the Midwest. In 1999 the couple moved to Carroll.
Wally was a very kind and courteous man who never spoke an unkind word about anyone. He was a loving family man and encouraged his children and grandchildren to further their education. Wally enjoyed the time he got to spend with his grandchildren, especially teaching them how to fish. Wally took many fishing trips to Yellowsmoke, Spirit Lake, and Okoboji. Wally enjoyed music and played clarinet and saxophone for many area polka bands, including the Westside Playboys and United Polka Band. He and Leta enjoyed polka dances and were members of the Polka Dots for 10 years. Wally was able to take a memorable trip to Alaska with his daughter Jeane, and went salmon fishing at Sturgis Bay, Wisconsin. Wally and Leta wintered in Texas for 15 years.
In his leisure time Wally liked to play cards, go golfing, and watch sports—especially his favorite St. Louis Cardinals. In his youth he was a great baseball player. Wally was the oldest living past King of the Schuetzen Verein at the Five Mile House. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia where he served as elder and on many committees.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Caroline Jensen; his son-in-law Delos Schumacher, one grandson, Bradley Schumacher; two great-grandsons, Charlie Hiller and Andrew Lauby; one step-sister-in-law, Karen Maak; and three brothers-in-law, Karl Luetje, Wilbur Luetje, and Wendell Luetje.
Survivors include his wife, Leta of Carroll; three daughters: Connie Bradshaw and her husband, Dennis of Carroll; Jeane Figge and her husband, John of Sioux City, Iowa; and Patricia Hiller and her husband, Barry of Glenwood, Iowa; four grandchildren: Melissa and her husband, Todd; Brett and his wife, Ranita; Nick and his wife, Amy; Chad, and his wife, Kayla; six great-grandchildren: Jenna, Sophia, Claire, Wyatt, Abigail, and Jacob; step-sister, Marcella Neumann and her husband, Ed of Boulder, Colorado; step-brother, Wayne Maak of Ames, Iowa; sisters-in-law Delores Luetje and Norma Luetje; both of Westside; his aunt, Ruthanna Witt of Carroll; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.