Obituary: Gretchen Hattie Bertha Jensen

Gretchen Hattie Bertha Jensen, of Waukesha, passed away peacefully at her son’s home while surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the age of 95 years.

Gretchen was born in Ixonia, WI, on Feb. 22, 1917, the daughter of Edward and Marie Serafina (nee Dolles) Schmidt. She married Roland G. Jensen on May 20, 1937. Gretchen worked at McCoy’s and the old Waukesha Walgreens where she ran the cosmetics department for over 20 years. She taught knitting at the Schuetze Building and she won many first-place prizes for her knitting and sewing at the Wisconsin State Fair. Gretchen was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Waukesha for over 74 years. She had a passion for travelling, cooking and canning. Gretchen will always be remembered for her incredible character. More than anything, she loved to spend time with her family.

Gretchen will be dearly missed by her children, Sally Tolbert of New Berlin and David (Patricia) Jensen of Wauwatosa; her daughter-in-law, Carole Jensen of Waukesha; her grandchildren, Brian Tolbert, Jill Jensen, Craig Jensen and Jack Jensen Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Ali Gill, Katya Tolbert, Pieter Tolbert, Lauren Jensen and Nicholas Jensen; her sister, Tillie Orgas (who is 101 years old) of Waukesha; and many other family and friends. Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Roland; her son, Jack Jensen; and her granddaughter, Brenda Tolbert.

A visitation for Gretchen will be from 10 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service on Monday, May 14, 2012, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 300 Carroll St., Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. Gary Liedtke will officiate the service. Entombment will be at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family.  For the online obituary or to leave a message of condolence, please visit http://www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com, or call 262-542-6609.