Jensen, Iris Helen (Coonrod)

Iris Helen (Coonrod) Jensen, 92, died peacefully at her home Tuesday, March 6, 2012. According to her wishes, her cremated remains will be inurned at Rock Island National Cemetery, with her late husband, Robert L. Jensen, with a private family celebration.

Iris was born to Ira Coonrod and Winifred Badger on July 22, 1919, in Waterloo, Iowa. Upon graduating high school, Iris entered nurses training at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. After obtaining her RN degree she worked at Allen Memorial and Presbyterian hospitals in Waterloo.

Iris and Robert Jensen were married Dec. 12, 1942, in New York City. Shortly after marriage she moved to Baltimore, Md., to be near her husband, who was stationed at Edgewood Arsenal, Md. While there, she worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital until Robert went overseas, at which time Iris returned to Waterloo. After World War II, Robert and Iris moved to West Branch, Iowa and in 1956, they moved to Iowa City.

Loving mother and devoted to family, Iris is survived by four children, David Jensen (Alice) of Anchorage, Alaska, Karen Lundquist (John) of Gordonville, Texas, Bill Jensen (Judie) of Tipton, Iowa and Susan Jensen of Iowa City. Survivors also include a brother, William Coonrod of Iowa City; a sister, Faye Fisher (Robert) of Waterloo; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Published March 9, 2012 in The Gazette