Judy Ann Jensen

Judy Jensen, 83 of Osakis, Minnesota passed away in Alexandria on March 4, 2026. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April, 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM at United Methodist Church in Sauk Centre. A luncheon honoring Judy will be served at the Osakis VFW following the service. Public visitation will be held at the church on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, with a VFW Auxiliary Member's Memorial Service being performed at 3:30 PM.

Judy Ann Jensen, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Alexandria, Minnesota, at the age of 83. Born on February 15, 1943, in Osakis Township to Gerald and Flavia (Schultz) Olson, Judy grew up in the Osakis area and graduated as valedictorian from Osakis High School. Her early achievements led to a life filled with dedication and excellence.

In 1961, Judy married her cherished husband, Merven Jensen, at the Osakis Methodist Church, embarking on a journey together that lasted 47 wonderful years until Merv's passing in March of 2010. Their lives began in Iowa before they made their way to Bloomington, Minnesota, in 1967. In 1972, the family moved to a hobby farm near Waverly, Minnesota. They remained there until 2005, when Judy and Merv built their retirement home on Guernsey Lake in Osakis.

Judy dedicated much of her working life to her career at Cargill, where she contributed her talents from 1979 until her retirement in 2005. A member of the George H. Elliot VFW Auxiliary Post 7902, Judy's commitment to community service was evident as she served as president from 2018 to 2024.

Beyond her professional achievements, Judy's life was enriched by her family, with whom she shared countless memories filled with love and laughter. Her spirit came alive in the joy of her daughters, Christy and Kimberley. A proud grandmother, Judy also rejoiced in the company of her grandchildren, reminding all who knew her that family was her greatest treasure.

Judy had a passion for quilting, a hobby that allowed her to express her creativity, and she was deeply committed to her faith as a member of the United Methodist Church in Sauk Centre. Her vibrant presence will be sorely missed by those who had the honor of knowing her.

Left to cherish Judy's memory are her daughter, Christy (Tim) Geldert of Brooklyn Center; son-in-law, Joseph Zabel of Howard Lake; three grandchildren: Katherine (Justin) Marquardt, Heather (Darrick Graunke) Zabel, and Kevin Zabel (Trinity Schumacher); twelve great-grandchildren: Tyler Graunke, Matthew Diers, Brayden Graunke, Marquardt children: Madison, Bethany, Claire, Lucia, Simon, Maria, Joshua, Leo, Caleb; her sister, Joan Stabe of Brooklyn Center; and sister-in-law Delores Olson of Osakis.

She is Preceded in death by parents, Gerald and Flavia Olson; husband, Merv Jensen; daughter, Kimberley Zabel; grand-daughter, Amanda Zabel; sisters and brother: Erva (Ernie) Jenson, Geraldine (Howard) Beste, Mae (Norbert) Beste, Shirley (Ken) Brodsky, Audrey (Lowell) Collins, and Wayne Olson; brothers-in-law, Eugene Stabe and Victor Jensen; sister-in-law, Evelyn Jensen.