Glenn B. Jensen

Glenn B. Jensen

Marion

Glenn B. Jensen, 89, of Marion, Iowa, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Per his wishes and hopes, he passed along in peace, with love extended to all family and friends. Family will greet friends and family from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marion. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Wednesday, on what would have been his 90th birthday at the church. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie; children, Laura, Reid (Elizabeth) and Jill, Heidi; and grandchildren, Jose Alberto, Dylan, Cara and Ben.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anders, and Otillia Jensen; his brothers, Earl and Dale; and his sister, Mabel.

Glenn was born in Marne, Iowa, on Nov. 23, 1932, and grew up on a farm near Elk Horn. His parents, Danish immigrants, instilled in him a strong work ethic, a love of family and a commitment to service to others. He graduated from Iowa State Teachers’ College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in 1956 and earned a master’s degree from Northern Colorado University. He began a career in education that took him first to Elkader, Iowa, where he met Marjorie. They moved to Solon, Iowa, where he served as Principal of Solon High School, then also West Branch High School. He became Principal of Linn-Mar High School in 1966 and the family moved to Marion. He later served as coordinator for a Kirkwood Adult Education General Equivalency Diploma (GED) program. There he made a difference in the lives of students struggling to finish high school requirements.

In 1980, Glenn and Marjorie opened International Pastries at the Lindale Mall, a business they ran together until 1996 and an endeavor in which they held great pride. Glenn returned to teaching, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Kirkwood Community College, where he taught math and bakery science. He was active in his church, with the Marion Noon Lions, SCORE, Marion Parks Foundation and St. Stephen’s Lutheran Men’s Group.

Glenn served as an example to his family and friends of a life well lived. He helped countless numbers of people, as a teacher, employer and volunteer. To his family he was a foundation of love, strength, honesty and optimism.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Glenn’s honor to Marion Cares, Churches of Marion Pantry or the Museum of Danish America.

Please share a memory of Glen at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.