George Kenneth Jensen

George Kenneth Jensen of Cozad passed away Sunday, May 9, 2021 at Bethany Home in Minden, Nebraska. George was born in Dannebrog, Nebraska on February 2, 1923 to Jens “John” and Christina (Larsen)Jensen. George was the ninth of fourteen children born in the Jensen family. He was the only surviving child at the time of his death. George graduated from Dannebrog High School in 1940 as the Valedictorian of his class. He was offered scholarship opportunities to attend college but remained on the family farm during the early years of WWII to assist his parents. In August of 1944, George was drafted into the U. S. Army. He served from August 1944 until November 1946 in the Pacific Theater.  On Saturday, May 19, 1945, George was assigned as a replacement on the front lines in the Battle of Okinawa. On Sunday, May 20th, George and his fellow soldiers moved forward in battle. George was seriously wounded in that battle and spent one month in Guam in a Naval hospital, where he was given 7 shots every day for 20 days of the new drug penicillin. He spent another month in Saipan in a hospital as the Atomic Bomb was dropped on Japan. He later rejoined his unit in the Philippines and in Japan and served as occupational forces. At one point in time, George and three brothers simultaneously served their country in WWII. Following his Army career, George met the love of his life, Darlene Franzen Jobman. They were united in marriage March 14, 1954. The weekend of George’s marriage to Darlene was significant in his faith walk. He was baptized, confirmed, communed, and married to Darlene at Zion Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, Nebraska. To this union, four children were born, Monte, Lane, Jana, and Becky.  George and Darlene raised their family in Cozad, Nebraska, where George worked for the United States Post Office until retirement. George filled his free time in many ways. He was a terrific gardener, carpenter, baseball/softball coach, sports fan, farm hand for son in law Andy Tomsen, supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, and husband extraordinaire. George’s greatest hobby was golf. He was a member of the Cozad Country Club where he aced four holes!  All four hole in ones were after his 80th birthday. The American Lutheran Church in Cozad was a big part of George’s life. He served as a member of the congregation, on the church council, and as a committed volunteer. He lived his faith well. He is preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Jensen, his parents, Jens and Christina Jensen, his In-law parents John and Lena Franzen, siblings Alfred, Arthur, Raymond, Clarence, Margaret, Harlan, Carl, Harold, Marvin, Myrtle, Leona, Earnest, Helen, and spouses, brother in laws Vernon and Reakus Franzen and wives. Left to cherish his memory are his children Monte Jensen (Debe) of Parker, Colorado, Lane Jensen (Bonnie) of Castle Rock, Colorado, Jana Tomsen (Andy) of Minden, Nebraska, Becky Farion (Zen) of Old Chatham, New York. Ten grandchildren Heather Both (Ben), Nicholas Tomsen (Michaela), Jessica Shoff (Dustin), Sarah Rasmussen (Adam), Devyn Bachman (Richard), Meghan Adamson (Zach), Tyler Jensen (Benjamin Martin), Preston Schafer, Payton Jensen, and Madison Schafer (Christian Dobbins).  Great Grand children Hailey and Austin Both, Moriah, Charles, and Daniel Tomsen, Draper Shoff, Lena, Margaret, and Teddy Rasmussen, and Knox and Vail Bachman.  Brother and Sister in law Glenn and Gloria Franzen.

Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Cremation was chosen. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve Berke officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.