Marlys Jensen

Marlys Jean (Nelson) Jensen was born to Ole and Mildred Nelson on February 14th, 1940, in Kensington, MN. She grew up on Ole and Mildred’s turkey farm, Oakdale Farm, with her older brothers, Omar and Vernal. She went to School District 63 until 8th grade and then attended Kensington High School where she graduated in 1958. She then attended the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis where she studied Medical Laboratory Science and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1962.

She worked as a Lab Technician in Willmar. But farm life called her back to Kensington, and she married Marvin Jensen on July 9, 1966, at Solem Lutheran Church. Together they ran Red Rock Stock Farm where they raised cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans, and three kids – Mark, Marie, and Marsha. She was a busy farmwife, cooking meals, preparing lunches, and having coffee ready for anybody who stopped by. She would also “run to town” for machinery parts.

Marlys learned piano at an early age, and she started playing the organ at Solem Lutheran Church when she was 15. She was the organist at Solem for many years and often played duets with her cousin Marylou Smith. She later was an organist at Nora Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church, and Arbor Lakes Senior Living.

Besides music, Marlys showed her creativity in other ways. She was an excellent quilter, and she created quilts that her family continues to use. She was a wonderful baker of cakes, brownies, and bars. She also enjoyed gardening and loved flowers.

Marvin and Marlys were active in Minnesota Farmers Union. They would attend national conventions, which gave them opportunities to travel. Later they went on trips to Scandinavia, the Panama Canal, and Tanzania. While in Tanzania, she volunteered to work at an orphanage. After Marvin passed away, Marlys continued to travel, going with friends and family to Georgia, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Nurturing family was very important to Marlys. She always treasured her relationships with her nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren. She co-hosted holiday and summer gatherings for the Nelson’s, Samuelson’s, Jensen’s, and Enberg’s. Her extended family all have terrific memories of their times together on her farm during these gatherings. And as her mother Mildred and her mother-in-law, Minnie Jensen, faced health challenges, Marlys coordinated care for them.

She also loved her community. Marlys frequently helped with activities with area churches and did many projects with the Ladies’ Aid at Solem. She was a 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was involved with 4-H most of her life, first as a member and then later as a leader – all with the Runestone 4-H Club. She was an Urness Township leader, serving as election judge and other roles. Marlys also served on the Solem Preservation Board. Her kindness and generosity will be missed by all.

Marlys passed away peacefully at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in Maple Grove, MN on July 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her funeral will be on August 2nd, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Kensington, MN. Visitation begins at 10 am and her service starts at 11 am. Lunch will be served after the service. She will be buried at Solem Lutheran Church in the afternoon.

She is survived by son, Mark (Jill) Jensen, daughter Marie (Brian) LaFore, daughter Marsha Jensen, and grandchildren: Leah (Ben), Carter, Joshua, Rylee, Sterling, and Marvin, brothers Omar Nelson and Vernal (Marlene) Nelson, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, and her parents, Ole and Mildred.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Solem Preservation Association.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Hoffman.