Christian P. Jensen

Christian Peter Jensen, 77, left this Earth on January 24th, 2025, after a fierce but brief battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Friday, January 31st, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City, IA. Visitation with family present will be one hour prior.

Chris was known for his booming voice that commanded every room he entered, his boundless enthusiasm, and strong convictions. He loved his life, filled with family and friends, and was happiest sitting at a table filled with delicious food, surrounded by those he loved. The laughter and stories filled his heart and soul as the food filled his belly. Whether he was canoeing the Boundary Waters, camping in the mountains, or catering to his flower beds, he loved all that nature could provide.

He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, September 8, 1947, to Marvel Cox and Sherwood Jensen. After that marriage ended, his mother remarried, and Chris became a big brother to Jeff, Sue, and Kathie. They would all say he loved to torment and tease them as big brothers are wont to do. They would also say he loved them dearly.

Chris called Sioux City home his entire life. Graduating from Central High School in 1966, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Briar Cliff College and his master’s degree in business from the University of South Dakota. He was a supervisor in the Child Abuse/Foster Care Division of DHS and moved on to become the director of the Job Training Partnership Act - a federal program to assist displaced homemakers and those recently unemployed in finding education and work. After retiring, he began teaching at WIT and Bellevue University.

On September 25th, 1976, Chris married his soulmate, Beth Harms. Chris and Beth were renowned among friends and family for the wonderful parties and events they hosted, their hospitality, graciousness and unflinching willingness to help out those in need. The love they shared continues. Chris has a daughter, Chaya, from a previous marriage. Oh, how he loved her; his family and friends always knew. Exceptional, talented, and wonderful as he was, Chris cherished all his family. Chris and Beth made no distinction between “your side or mine.” All were loved.

Chris is survived by his loving and devoted wife Beth Harms, his daughter Chaya Conrad (Alton Osborn), siblings Sue Kroger (Guy Kroger), Kathie Cox (Adam Spindell), his mother-in-law Betty Harms, sister-in-law Bev Harms and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and a grandnephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents Sherwood Jensen and Marvel Cox, his brother Jeffrey Cox, and his father-in-law Bob Harms and brother-in-law, Bob Harms.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank of Siouxland or Noah’s Hope.