Donna K. Jensen

She was born on Aug. 26, 1941, in Escanaba, daughter of Dorance and Delia Peterson. Donna graduated from Escanaba High School in 1960 before attending Northern Michigan University for one year and then transferring to Prospect Hall Secretarial Business School in Milwaukee, where she graduated as an executive assistant.

Donna is survived by the love of her life and husband and companion for 45 years, Larry Jensen; her two sons, Paul Sydmark (Barbara Barkley) and Michael (daughter-in-love Lani) Sydmark; stepchildren, Julie (David) Dahleen, Lorraine (Steve) Schaefer, Pam Brown, David (Mary) Jensen, Steve Jensen, and Ben (JoAnn) Jensen; four nephews, Kris Peterson, Eric Peterson, Matthew (Norma) Peterson, and Mark (Ann) Peterson; two great-nephews, Todd (Maria) Horchner and Troy (Juliana) Horchner; two nieces, Lynn Marie Peterson and Janet (Dale) Horchner; Jerry Long and sister-by-choice, Bonnie Sue Hurley; 24 grandchildren, Lynsey Sydmark (Eric Herzog), Jeanette Tanaka, Michael K. Sydmark (Keshia Hruska), Jayden (Grace) Sydmark, Zahnder Jensen, Draike Jensen, Michael and Kayla Dahleen, Jacob and Makayla Dahleen, Marissa (Jamie) Knie, Rachael (Mitch) Kirby, Rebecca Schaefer, Meghan Jensen, Ryan Jensen, Ashley Jensen, Ethan Jensen, Jeff and Nicole Jensen, Dustin Jensen, Nathan Jensen, Alicia Barkley, Kate Barkley, and Zachary Jensen; 13 great-grandchildren, Ryan and Aila Phipps, Hailey Jensen, Kinsley and Kayson Jensen, Isaac and Alex Dahleen, Simon Dahleen, Emma and Mia Kirby, Kiara and Kooper Hruska, and Kalani Sydmark.

Along with her parents and grandparents, Donna was preceded in death by her two sisters, Dorothy and Mildred; three brothers, Dorance Pete, John and Milton Peterson; the father of her two boys, R.W. Sydmark; a son, Scot Jensen; beloved sisters-in-law, Lydia Jensen Jodlowski, Audrey Peterson, Paulene Peterson, Peggy Peterson Brown, Donna Gail Peterson; a brother-in-law, Ray Long; nephews, Jack Long and Kevin Peterson; and her loved fur baby Kenaye and her beloved Mia who will be meeting her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Not only did Donna enjoy her family, but she also enjoyed cooking and baking and was often heard saying, If anyone goes from my house hungry, it is their own fault.” She felt privileged to serve all people.

She was the parish secretary at First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, for 36 years before retiring in 2012. She was a member of St. Barbara Church in Vulcan, and served as Eucharistic Minister, reader, and Communion assistant, and she was a member of the St Barbara’s Women’s League.

Last words from Donna, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“And don’t Fight”

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave. in Iron Mountain. Visitation will continue at St. Barbara Catholic Church, 159 Mission St. in Vulcan, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, with Father Martin Flynn officiating the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Donna s name to benefit the Holy Spirit Catholic School at 201 Saginaw St. in Norway.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Donna Jensen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.