Loretta Jensen

Loretta Grace Zednick Jensen was born to John and Anna (Mares) Zednick in Omaha, NE on September 10, 1928. She entered into her eternal rest on June 8, 2025. In 1930 Loretta's mother passed away and her brother Harold and she went to live with their Zednick grandparents in Wilber, NE. At age 5 1/2, Loretta's father married Mary Gross Toman and the children moved back to Omaha where Loretta attended Miller Park Elementary school in North Omaha through 6th grade. The family then relocated to a farm in the rural Honey Creek area in 1939. Loretta attended school in Beebeetown for 7th and 8th grades. At the beginning of Loretta's 9th grade year, Emma and Jesse Schutt of Council Bluffs took her into their home where Loretta attended Abraham Lincoln High School. Loretta was needed back on the farm during her senior year and graduated with Beebeetown HS class of 1945.

Loretta graduated from business school and worked one year in Omaha as a stenographer. She then obtained a teaching certificate and taught in one-room schools. She was recruited to be the secretary for the Pottawattamie County Superintendent of Schools with the office being located in the Council Bluffs Court House. There Loretta met Robert Jensen while he was on a break from jury duty. The two were united in marriage on October 22, 1950. To this union, five children were born.

Loretta spent the first years of married life rearing children and working on the farm. In the mid 1960's, Loretta decided that she could make a better living teaching than milking cows. She attended college while teaching and obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1971 from Dana College in Blair, NE. Loretta taught in rural Council Bluffs, Beebeetown, Neola, Underwood, and the current Tri-Center Elementary Building, retiring in 1991. Following retirement from farm life, Robert and Loretta moved into Neola. Loretta began substitute teaching at Tri-Center and continued until she was in her 80's. Loretta downplayed the impact that she had on youth; however, former students still reminisce about Mrs. Jensen and the knowledge they gained under her care. She never lost her love for educating children.

Loretta was extremely active in the Neola First United Presbyterian Church, serving in many roles. Loretta was also a member of the Agatha Chapter of the Eastern Star and was a volunteer in the community. She donated her time, talents, and gifts freely.

Loretta enjoyed gardening; dancing; putting together puzzles; playing games and cards; sewing, quilting, and embroidering. Many family members and friends have received hand embroidered t-towels from Loretta which are a treasured gift. Loretta was also an excellent cook and baker, and her table settings were beautiful. She used her good dishes often.

Loretta is survived by her children, Julie Hansen, Dale (Carol) Jensen, Joni Jensen, Mary (David) Kramer, and Arlyn (Jennifer) Jensen; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; other family members; many friends and former students. Loretta's family was the most important part of her existence and she made each grandchild feel as though they were her favorite. Her love and support will be forever cherished.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; grandson, Robert Eckmann; sons-in-laws Dennis Ronfeldt and Robert Hansen; brothers, Harold Zednick, Frank Toman, Joe Toman, and their wives.

Services will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Neola, IA at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The Reverend Peggy Hall will officiate. Interment will be in the Neola Township Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Neola First United Presbyterian Church, Tri-Center Scholarship Foundation, Inc., or the charity of your choice.