Karen Sue Jensen
It is with great sadness that the family of Karen Sue Jensen, 72, of Malad City, ID submits her final resume’ on December 4th, 2023.
Her blond curly hair and bright blue eyes entered this world August 19th, 1951 in the small farming town of St Johns, KS. She was the youngest of Lawrence and LuLu Clapper Klein’s five Children. Her childhood was spent in Kansas where she had many adventures with the sibling closest to her in age, her sister, Joyce (Maxfield).
The family did not have much and presents were sparse. However, one Christmas Karen received a prized Betsy Wetsy doll that she proudly mothered and kept throughout her adolescence. This is where her maternal nature shined through and from then on she always wanted to care for those around her. She loved learning but hated school and cried every time her mother dropped her off. She would often get to stay home from school because she knew just how to tug at her mother’s heart strings. Karen and Joyce had their tonsils taken out together. Karen complained of a sore throat and she told Joyce she knew the cure. She went to the kitchen popped open a can of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup and drank it straight from the can. Her family believes that’s where her love of chocolate began. It was no secret that she was the apple of Lulu’s eye. Karen often used this clout to “tattle” on her siblings. Not one of them got away with smoking, sneaking out or damaging anything in the house under Karen’s watchful eye. During her childhood the family had a Chihuahua named Tammy. Although it was the “family dog” it seemed to be Karen’s dog and so her love of dogs began. She later had companion dogs Ben and Wolfy who she loved with all her heart. Karen and Joyce were very close and they loved to needle one another. They would banter back and forth about the others faults but fought fiercely with anyone who would say such things to their sister!
At the age of 16 her dad’s civil service employment transferred them to Utah and this is where Karen would spend the majority of her adult life. Karen was proud of her amazing work ethic and worked for several employers including Chromalox and Hobart. It was at Hobart where she met the love of her life Douglas J Jensen, they were bound together as husband and wife October 8, 1976 and built a beautiful life. They retired to Malad where they spent their time going on cruises, playing BINGO with friends, and tried to strike it rich at any Casino they could find.
Karen loved growing beautiful flowers, feeding humming birds that frequented her yard, cooking, baking and driving FAST CARS. She took special pride in being an Aunt and “Grandma” to her great nieces and nephews. Karen had perfected beef stew, chicken noodle and several other recipes. As a matter of fact her cooking was so good that Kassy (Love - Green) and Karessa (Love) used to pretend to be sick when their mother went out of town or to work so that they could stay at Karen’s and watch the big TV and be spoiled with delicious food.
Karen is widely renowned for her fudge and divinity that she would loving share with family, friends and neighbors. You knew you were loved if you received a plateful of Karen’s famous fudge. Karen had the kindest of hearts and showed love and compassion to all those around her. If you needed anything Karen would find a way to get it to you.
One of the proudest days of Karen’s life, through a series of FORTUNATE events, was being reunited with her son, Bill Day. Her new found role of mother, grandmother to Bill’s four children and great grandmother gave her the boasting rights she had waited years to have. She wanted everyone to know how much she loved Bill and how proud she was of who he has become and everything he has accomplished. Her baby boy was precious to her. He was the missing piece that completed her full life.
Karen- We will miss the magic you put into your fudge and divinity, your meticulously done hair and savvy sense of style. Thank you for the legacy you left behind! KAREN, or as Bill calls you, MOM - WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN BISCUITS AND GRAVY!
Karen is survived by her son Bill (Amy) Day of Kaysville, UT, sister Janette Sallee of Prague, OK, a brother Ronald Klein of Salina, KS and her life long nemesis and partner in crime a loved sister Joyce (McKay) Maxfield, Malad City, ID. Four Grandchildren Allen (Alexis)Day, Litchfield AZ, Kayla (Brayden) Little West Jordan, UT, Ryan Day Bountiful, UT, Brittany Day, Tooele, UT, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Karen is proceeded in death by her husband Douglas J Jensen , her parents, Lawrence and LuLu Klein, a brother Donald Klein.
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 9th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Horsley Funeral Home. A viewing for friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Burial will be in the Malad City Cemetery following the service. Please go to horsleyfuneralhome.com for more complete information on viewing times and funeral services.