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Gerald Wayne Jensen

November 25, 1928 - June 26, 2018

Gerald Wayne Jensen, 89, of West Des Moines, IA passed away peacefully at Arbor Springs on June 26, 2018.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 6, at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, also at Ankeny Memorial.

Jerry was born to John and Gertrude Jensen on November 25, 1928, the youngest of 3 children.

Jerry married the love of his life, Ingrid Ahonen in 1961 and enjoyed 56 years of wedded bliss. Jerry had a long and fulfilling career with John Deere, which filled him with life-long pride. During that time Jerry and Ingrid tried out a lot of states before settling in Iowa. Jerry was fortunate to retire at a young age, and he loved reminiscing with co-workers and friends about John Deere and continued to stay up to date on new products and innovations. Jerry always enjoyed being around water, and made it a top priority to find waterfront retirement properties in Florida and Minnesota.

In retirement Jerry built a second career in Florida, starting a non-profit to improve fish estuaries in Charlotte Harbor and help local youth develop fishing and life skills. His work with the Charlotte Harbor Reef Association included creation and installation of almost 500 concrete ‘reef balls’ to rebuild the harbor reef; and the formation of The Don Ball School of Fishing annually brought together 100+ 7th graders to learn from commercial fishing boat captains the techniques, laws and etiquette of fishing. His work here made a real difference in the lives of many, and it brought him immense joy and lots of lasting friendships.

Jerry is survived by his son Jeffrey (Joey) Jensen of Castaic, CA, daughter Tammie (Robert) Geddes of La Quinta, CA, and son Tom (Kim) Jensen of Ankeny; 6 grandchildren, Ashley Jensen and Stefanie Jensen of Minneapolis, MN, Bill (Amy) Yoder of Sacramento, CA, Courtney (Jacob) Pagone of Kaneohe, HI, Robin (Greg) Ahonen Gordon of Knightdale, NC, Kimberly Ahonen Garner of Asheboro, NC, and many great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, brothers Dale and Keith, his sons Bradley and Terry Jensen, and step-son Robert Ahonen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Don Ball School of Fishing or Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter.

We would like to say a special thank you to Arbor Springs and Suncrest Hospice. Their staff was amazing and we were so fortunate to have their excellent treatment and care for Jerry and our family.