Arlene Ethel Jensen

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." — Acts 20:35

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arlene Ethel Jensen (née Johns) on April 12, 2026, at the age of 88, after a battle with gallbladder cancer. She passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones and holding her husband’s hand.

Arlene was born on July 31, 1937, in Malden, Massachusetts, to Robert and Helen Johns, and grew up alongside her brother, Robert Jr.

At 19, Arlene met the love of her life, Vernon Jensen. After just three months, they were married and began a life together that spanned 69 devoted years in Minnesota. Together they raised four children—Deb, Donna, Darla, and Dan—and built a home centered on faith, love, and family.

Arlene was known for her deep love of family, especially her grandchildren, and her strong commitment to her church. A devoted member of St. Paul First Seventh Day Adventist Church, she served faithfully as a deaconess, greeter, and potluck coordinator.

She found great joy in road trips—especially to Florida—and cherished every opportunity to be near the ocean. Her children and grandchildren remember countless trips filled with togetherness, music, and laughter.

Arlene was a quiet and generous giver, always putting others before herself. Her kindness, faith, and joyful spirit touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Johns, and her brother, Robert Johns Jr.

She is survived by her husband Vernon Jensen, her daughters Deb Christle, Donna Jensen, and Darla Dauenhauer; her son Dan Jensen; sons-in-law Samuel Yankee and Jerry Dauenhauer; daughter-in-law Donita Jensen; grandchildren Clinton, Allan, Jennifer, David, Kevin, Leah, Ashley, Andrew, Alexander, Kari, Sammy, and Tayveon; and great-grandchildren Lucas, Connor, Joshua, Samuel, Emma, Elliana, Ivy, Danny, Adeline, and Ella.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Arlene’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.