Arlene M. Jensen

Arlene Marie (Lydon) Jensen, 92, entered into eternal life September 4, 2021, at the age of 92 following a brief illness. She was born June 19, 1929 to M. Bernard and Velva (Nelson) Lydon in Adair County, Iowa. Arlene was raised on a farm and was the 10th of 14 children in the family. She was the last remaining.

Arlene graduated from Greenfield High School in 1947. She married Alex Jensen on August 18, 1952. After living in Greenfield for a short time, they moved to Des Moines and then to an acreage near Woodward, Iowa. The acreage was the site of many large family gatherings. Labor Day weekend was one of the most memorable fun times. She was employed by and retired from Delavan in Des Moines after 18 years. Some years after Alex’s death in 1981, she moved to Ankeny where she resided until her death. Arlene and Alex enjoyed many trips together and, later in life after Alex’s passing, she continued traveling with family and lady friends from Woodward. Arlene was an active and independent lady whose twinkling blue eyes and keen sense of humor endeared her to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, Lucile Johnston, Louise Bohan, Lois Pettit, Veronica Sloss, Gladys Cox, Delores Rogers; seven brothers, Leo, Thomas, Ernest, Donald (in infancy), Earl, Lawrence and Robert Lydon. She is survived by her daughter, Mary E. Lonsdale of Ankeny, grandsons, Troy A. Lonsdale of Indianola and Ryan B. (Sylvia) Lonsdale of Ankeny, great granddaughters, Danielle L. Lonsdale of Des Moines, Willa C. Lonsdale of Ankeny, and great grandsons, Parker L. and Levi C. Lonsdale of Ankeny; many beloved

nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Greenfield Cemetery in Greenfield, IA. Following the service relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Greenfield City Park at the corner of NE Grant and NE Third Street. Refreshments will be served. Please do not send flowers to the cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in loving memory of Arlene.