Ethel Mae Jensen

MADISON – Ethel “Mae” Jensen, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. Mae was born Jan. 1, 1924 in Alden, Wisconsin, the second of seven children to Morris and Leona Norlander. Growing up on a farm in Star Prairie, Wis. Mae did her fair share of chores. She preferred helping her mother with the sewing much better than her time picking corn in the fields. She graduated from Osceola High School in 1941. Working at the local diner “Kyle’s Koffee Kup”, she met the love of her life, Russell Jensen. He worked next door at the Box Factory and would come in often for a slice of his favorite Graham Cracker Pie. Mae learned the recipe and made it for him many times over the course of their life together. They married June 28, 1942, by candlelight in West Immanuel Church, the same place she had been baptized and confirmed. They moved to Madison and Russ was drafted into the Army in November. Mae joined him in Oregon and Mississippi until Russ was deployed overseas in January 1944. Mae then worked in St. Paul and moved back with her family. Upon Russ’ return in 1946, they moved back to Madison and had two “Baby Boomer” daughters, Caryl & Connie. Mae always enjoyed sewing and often made dresses for the girls and their dolls. They were later blessed with two grandchildren, Derek & Chandra, and ultimately a great-grandson, Cody. As longtime east side residents, Mae worked as a floral arranger at a Craft and Gift Store for many years. She shared her love of crafts and Norwegian Rosemaling with her grandchildren. She was proud of her Scandinavian Heritage and enjoyed Lutefisk dinners. She and Russ were active members of Bethel Lutheran Church for over 50 years. They enjoyed years of travel with family to Europe, Asia & Australia, taking many trips as ambassadors of the “Friendship Force,” a program created by President Carter. Mae played Bridge with friends, was an avid reader and later listened to books on tape. She enjoyed spending time with family playing games and cards.  She loved to cook and created a happy and beautiful home for her family. She always felt her family was her greatest blessing. She will be missed, loved and remembered. She is survived by her two daughters, Caryl (Mike) Selchert and Connie Dreger; two grandchildren, Derek Van Woelderen (Brent) and Chandra Kleinsmith; great-grandson, Cody Kleinsmith; and two of her brothers, Bob and John Norlander. She is pre-deceased by her husband of 73 years, Russ “Bumpa” (Feb 2016); her parents; two brothers; two sisters; her son-in-law, Tom Dreger (Nov 2015); and many relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CERMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, with Pastor John Swanson presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church Media Ministry or Agrace Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.