Leona L. Jenson

Leona Lou Alexander Jenson was born at home on July 23, 1926, in Grant Township, Winnebago County. She was the daughter of Cecil H. and Nina M. Alexander. Leona lived on a farm and attended country school and then graduated from Thompson High School in 1943. Leona along with her cousins Betty and Jean moved to Kansas City during WWII to work in the war effort. A bomber pilot named his plane the “Lovely Leona”. 

Leona married Curtis D. Jenson on September 19, 1945, and they lived and farmed in Hancock County, Iowa during their 54 years of marriage. She was employed at Winnebago Industries, Forest City, Iowa, for 24 years until her retirement. Leona was employed as a CAD (Computer Aided Design) draftsman for Winnebago Industries at the time of her retirement.

Leona was a talented artist and quilter. Later in life, she completed a correspondence program of art instruction from the Art Instruction Schools. She hand quilted over 45 quilts that were given to family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, reading and cooking for family that often came for weekend visits to the farm. 

Leona attended Crystal Lake United Methodist Church and was a member of Crystal Lake Senior Citizen’s Center. After moving to Sioux City in 2013, she attended First Christian Church with her daughter and son-in-law.

Leona is survived by her five children: Rosalyn Smith of Sioux City, Iowa, Mark and his wife Liz Jenson of Gillette, Wyoming, Kurt Jenson of Belgrade, Montana, Dr. Bart Jenson and his wife Teresa of Des Moines, Iowa, and Kelly Jenson of Sioux City, Iowa. She is survived by twelve grandchildren: Lolane (Debbie) Smith, Dorin Smith and Telene (Mike) Bettcher, Karen Jenson, Rebecca Stevens, Melanie Moholt, and Greg, Nina, Louise (Andrew) Shumway, and Greta Jenson. Leona has several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Sally Alexander.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis on October 25, 1999, by her sister, Joan Alexander Vega on February 14, 2004, by her brother, Harry Alexander on March 28, 2017, and by her son-in-law, Marvin Smith on April 17, 2019. 

Memorial services will be held at a future date. Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is assisting with arrangements.