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Obituary for Gilbert L. Jensen
Gilbert Lee Jensen, 51, was lovingly welcomed to his heavenly home by the Lord Jesus Christ on November 14, 2007. Gilbert was born to Olander and Elaine Jensen on Oct. 8, 1956, at St. Raphael's Hospital in Hastings, Minn. He and his family lived in the country four miles south of West St. Paul, Minn. When Gilbert was 8-months old, he and the family moved to Maple Valley, a rural area 10 miles east of Frederic. Gilbert grew up loving his family and life on the farm. He delighted in being able to help with the farm chores, with loading and unloading firewood and with rinsing dishes after each meal alongside his mother and sister. He was thrilled to be a able to run in the farm fields and pasture. His trademarks were his happy countenance, squeals of laughter and zest for life. Even though, at 3 years old, he was diagnosed at the UW-Madison Hospital as being severely mentally retarded (which today would be termed cognitively disabled) he continued to enjoy life. In our time of need, Mrs. Ethyle Johnson was a wonderful mentor and friend to the family. In October of 1964, upon the recommendation of the family physician, Gilbert went to live at the Northern Colony and Training School in Chippewa Falls. It later became known as the Northern Center. His family is thankful for the multitude of people who cared for Gilbert there for 40 years. On July 6, 2004, Gilbert moved from Northern Center to the Independent Outlook Family Group Home in Chippewa Falls. Gilbert had wonderful, joyful times at his beautiful new home with his three friends: Norbie, Tony and Stevie. The family wants to thank Angie Joy for all her assistance in making the transition and for her ongoing support to Gilbert and his family. The family is grateful to Ron and Ann Johnson for having the vision to build the group home, to own it and to lovingly care for those with special needs. They also want to thank Elizabeth and Cassandra, managers of Gilbert's home, and their excellent, devoted staff. With his friends at his group home, Gilbert experienced delicious home-cooked meals, a lovely country setting and outings in the community that included zoos, shopping malls, restaurants, church, farms, water parks, the YMCA, the humane society, bowling, theaters, boat rides and fishing. Although Gilbert could not express himself in words, his life spoke volumes and deeply impacted all who knew and loved him. Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Olander Gilbert Jensen. He is survived by his mother, Elaine Jensen Kreutzian and her husband Dick Kreutzian; siblings Duane Jensen and wife Uppy; Larry Jensen and wife Nancy; Charlotte Rasmussen and husband Ron; Donna Moody and husband Larry; Earl Jensen and wife Sharon; Gale Litt and husband Lynn; Dale Jensen and wife Amy; Janet Oakland and husband Kent; 23 nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 16, at Clam Falls Lutheran Church in Clam Falls with the Rev. Lowell Helstedt officiating. Interment was at the Clam Falls Cemetery. Pallbearers were Darren Jensen, Cary Jensen, Jason Moody, Bryan Jensen, Kevin Jensen and Jody Moody. Music was provided by organist Mary Lou Daeffler and soloist Josiah Perkins. Memorials may be made to Independent Outlook or the Clam Falls Lutheran Church. Mark 10:14-15 – "Let the children come to Me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kindgom of God like a child shall not enter it." BEATITUDES – Specially adapted for Gilbert. Blessed are they who comprehend my strange gait and awkward hands. Blessed are they who understand that my ears must strain to comprehend what they hear. Blessed are they who understand that, though my eyes shine, my mind is slow. Blessed are they who do not notice the food I let fall from my plate. Blessed are they who understand that it is difficult for me, because I can't put my thoughts into words. Blessed are they who know what my heart feels even though I do not say a word. Blessed are they who respect me and love me as I am, just as I am, and not as they wish I were. Blessed are they who have helped me on my pilgrimage to the home of my Heavenly Father. -- Original author unknown Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic, WI, was entrusted with arrangements.
