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Karen L. Jensen, age 97, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, at River Falls Area Hospital while recovering from partial hip surgery.
Karen was born on July 29, 1929, in Oconto, Wisconsin, to Dorothy Lee Sorensen and Oscar A. Sorensen. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, earning her degree with a major in English and Speech and a minor in Physical Education.
A dedicated educator with a bold and independent spirit, Karen began her career teaching at a Vocational School in the Fox River Valley before making a daring solo move to Gallup, New Mexico, in the 1950s. There, she taught English and Speech while establishing the school’s theater and forensics programs. To this day, many of her former students remember her as “the best teacher I ever had,” and she maintained cherished connections with many of them throughout her life. In 1954, she married Lee E. Jensen, and together they taught in Gallup until 1957.
She later returned to Wisconsin, where she spent decades shaping young minds as a beloved teacher in both the Ellsworth and River Falls school systems. While working at the River Falls School District, Karen showcased her creative storytelling talent by writing and publishing two historical novels, Trail of Darkness and The Return of the Navajo.
Karen lived life to its absolute fullest. Known for her boundless energy and vibrant enthusiasm, she was still water skiing into her 70s, traveling in her 80s, and driving well into her 90s, and a voracious reader all her life. She possessed a passion for community service, local government, and the arts—actively supporting the University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF) arts programs, The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, and the St. Croix Valley Arts Guild. Generous with her time, she volunteered at the local library and in the hospital radiology department.
Her love for culture knew no bounds: she was endlessly passionate about theater, art, museums, and especially zoos. She traveled extensively with her family, embarking on all sorts of memorable excursions—visiting former students, exploring National Parks and theme parks, and even attending the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Above all, Karen cherished her family and friends. She loved embarking on adventures and visiting family across the country—from South Florida to San Francisco, New York, Utah, and Connecticut—leaving behind a legacy of joy, warmth, and resilience.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar A. and Dorothy Lee Sorensen, and her husband, Lee E. Jensen.
She is survived by her children, Lauren, Kyrsten and Christian and his husband Kevin; her grandchildren, Marshall and Elise and many cherished friends whose lives she touched.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Greenwood Cemetery, 951 E Division St, River Falls, WI 54022. A luncheon will follow to be held at the Tattersall Eatery. Memorials may be directed to The Phipps Center for the Arts or River Falls Area Hospital in Karen’s memory.
Remember Me
Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
but remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.
Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
my going has eased my hurt,
and given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me,
not as I am now, but as I used to be.
Because, I will remember you all,
and look on with a smile.
Understand in your hearts,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.
As long as I have the love of each of you,
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
5 Comments
Having done Karen hair for many years, she was a gem. I’m sorry for not having gone to see her lately. She was so blessed and thought the world of all her children.
I was Ms. Jensen’s student at Gallup High from 1953 to 1957. I remember her as a dedicated teacher and a wonderful person. By chance, I came into contact with her again last year, some 68 years since I last saw her. We exchanged several emails and I learned many new and wonderful things about her from Lauren, her daughter. I hate to just say something inane like “I’m sorry for your loss.” Ms. Jensen was not just our English teacher–she was our favorite teacher. When I found out recently, she was also a published author, I was thrilled. My modest success as a novelist and non-fiction historian is based on how well she helped me understand English and how to emote. Now, even though I’m old, I remember and how much she gave to all of us.
Karen, my oldest friend! We have been friends since kindergarten, grade school, high school and beyond. Just last December we enjoyed reminiscing about girl friends, boy friends and Karen shared some of her favorite books with me. Now, I may be the last one standing from the Oconto High School class of 1947 May God bless and keep you always and in my heart you will be Forever Young!
I have always thought the world of Karen. In the many years that we were havng our reunions. I always kept her in the loop of our classmates passing. Of all my teachers I had, she was my favorite. She was the best teacher I ever had. Rest in peace Karen. You will always be.remembed.
So saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She certainly packed a lot in her 97 years! Many, many great memories of life on Park Street. Wishing you all comfort and peace as you say goodbye.
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