Irene C. Jensen

Irene Jensen, 91, of Bismarck, ND died peacefully on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 in her home surrounded by her four children.

On Friday, July 19, 2024 a Celebration of Life will be held at 9:00 AM followed by 10:00 AM Funeral Services at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck. To view the service livestream, click this link>>> Mass Livestream | Cathedral of the Holy Spirit | Bismarck, ND (cathedralparish.com)

Irene was born on November 7, 1932 in Napoleon, ND. At the age of 13, she moved to Bismarck and worked at OK Confectionery. A successful businesswoman, she then worked at JC Penney and became the manager of the men's department.

Irene met her true love, Donald Jensen in 1951. They married December 12, 1955 and spent 60+ wonderful years together. Together they purchased Jensen’s Upholstery in Bismarck, ND and ran the business until they retired in 1995. They both continued restoring antique furniture and framing pictures after retirement. They enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home and they traveled extensively to 20 countries and to all 50 states. Everywhere Don and Irene went, they were seen holding hands.

Irene’s absolute pleasure was spending time with her four kids, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Irene also enjoyed bingo and playing cards such as pinochle and multiple hands of solitaire with her grandkids. She was often spotted out on the dance floor and the polka was a favorite. She also enjoyed camping, attending her grandkid’s many activities throughout the years and baking her famous banana bread and no-bake cookies. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. 

Irene was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her family and many good friends. She is survived by one son, Dale Jensen (Renee), Westfield, IN; three daughters: Jolene Peters (Craig), The Villages, FL; Janet Jensen-Wolf, Louisville, CO; Janel Horner (Jeff), Prior Lake, MN; eight grandchildren: David Jensen (Jill), Kevin Jensen (Katherine), Anna Jensen (Eric), Elizabeth Jensen, Brandon Wolf, Brittany Harvie (Evan), Jessica Yost (Brett), Justin Horner (Mary); 12 great-grandchildren: Padraig, Dylan, Margaret, Nora, Natalie and Jack Jensen, Madeline and Cooper Yost; Audrey and Claire Horner; Maximus and Penelope Harvie and her sister, Darlene Burgard, Bismarck ND and brother Conrad Rohrich, Seattle WA.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Peter Sperle and Dorthea Sperle Rohrich; her husband, Donald Jensen, brothers, Joseph Sperle and William Rohrich and sister, Donna West. 

Memorials in memory of Irene, may be directed to Vitas Hospice Care, 1950 Laurel Manor Dr. Ste. 135. The Villages, FL 32162 or Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond Street Bismarck, ND 58501.