Leslie Benda Jensen

Leslie Benda Jensen obituary

Leslie Benda Jensen

Leslie Jensen Obituary

Published by Star Tribune on Sep. 9, 2012.
Jensen, Leslie Benda 53, of Waconia, passed away Sept. 6, 2012, after a nine year battle with breast cancer. A native of Des Moines IA, she moved to Minnesota to pursue a BFA at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. There she fell in love with her husband Brian. The two raised two beautiful daughters. Leslie was a talented graphic designer and photographer, a loving wife, mother and devoted friend. Her incredible strength, creativity and love for life inspired all those who knew her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn. She is survived by her husband; daughters, Laura and Margaux; father, Vern; sisters, Cheryl and Nancy and their families; as well as many other relatives and friends. Memorial service Saturday, September 15, 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 800 Waconia Pkwy N. Visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and Pay it forward fund.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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February 10, 2017

Linda Rother posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2014

Mark Smith posted to the memorial.

October 25, 2012

Kathie Harvey posted to the memorial.

Linda Rother

February 10, 2017

I was just thinking of Leslie and didn't realized she had passed. I am very sad, and feel guilty that I lost touch with her. We wo ked at National Camera together. We had a lot in common and I loved her dearly. I pray for Brian and her daughter's who were all the loves of her life. Blessings. Linda L.Rother, Milaca Mn.

Mark Smith

October 2, 2014

I remember Leslie very much from MCAD. We would talk photography whenever we would meet. My heart goes out to her,and her family.

Kathie Harvey

October 25, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

September 30, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
I feel honored to have known Leslie through Southview Elementary School. She was truly remarkable with great talent for creativity. May the beautiful memories she created bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Warmly, Khuzana DeVaan

Pastor Julie Ebbesen

September 19, 2012

I just learned of Leslie's passing and am deeply saddened by the news. I did not know her long, but appreciated her thoughtful and generous spirit as she shared her talents. Working with her to create materials for Faith Lutheran several years ago was a joy - and I'll always remember her artistic and insightful contributions. My deepest condolences to her loving and beloved family. May you be comforted by the love of others - and held steadfast in God's strong and tender embrace. Peace be with you all.

Terri Lewellen

September 19, 2012

I had the privelege of meeting Leslie at Park Ave. school in the 5th grade & then again @ LHS. She was one of the smartest, nicest girls in school who always had a kind word & sweet smile for everyone. Please accept our deepest condolences; such a gentle spirit will be greatly missed...

Gail Napoli

September 16, 2012

I was saddened to learn of Leslie's passing and want to extend my sympathy to you during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Laura Griffith

September 15, 2012

Leslie and I were room mates and best friends in college and remained friends ever since.

I always loved Leslie's constant yet quirky sense of humor and her wonderful laugh. She saw humor in so much and from what her family told me she didn't lose that even at the end. I hope to never forget that wonderful laugh of Leslie's, kind of quiet and kind of mischeivious but ALWAYS kind.

Her photography in college had the same sensibility...always looking for the odd or funny juxopositions in every day life. My own view was that her sense of humor was something handed down from her wonderful father.

Leslie's approach to life was something I will always hold up as the standard to aim for. She knew what was most important, her girls and for that she must have been so proud. From what I can tell she instilled in them her best traits and values: intelligence, patients, kindness, caring, empathy and the high value of friendship just to name a few.

One of the things I most admired about Leslie and will for ever try to strive for was her ability to approach life on her own terms with such astonishing grace, intelligence and respect for others.

Richard Krogstad

September 15, 2012

Christine and I were honored to attend the service for Lelie today. So many people were there who love and admire her. We are so glad to have known Leslie. She was a special person with such courage and strength. We will remember her always. Our hearts go out to Brian, Laura and Margaux.

Barbara R

September 15, 2012

Leslie was a talented lady, taken much too early. I was sorry to hear the news.

Susan Johnson

September 14, 2012

I moved to Waconia in 1999. Leslie was a great mentor to me. When I heard of her loss, my heart breaks. I knew she had cancer, however, I did not know it returned. She is greatly missed. She had such enthusiasm and spirit. I will remember her with a warm spot in my heart always.

Colleen Tyson

September 14, 2012

Brian,

I am so saddened to hear of your wife's passing. My heart goes out to you and your daugthers.

Colleen Dwyer Tyson
Pearson

Caroline Sansovich

September 13, 2012

Brian & Girls, we are so sorry for your loss. We love you all and know that you have the comfort of many wonderful memories and beautiful art to keep Leslie close. Please let us know if you need anything at all - we are here for you. Love, the Sansovich family.

Lora Oppenheim

September 13, 2012

To Leslie's two daughters, I went to high school with your Mother. She was one of the "nice" girls. She also had sooo much going for her; brains, looks, athleticism, artistic talent etc. Sure am sorry for your loss.

Susy Immel

September 12, 2012

Brian, Laura and Marguax -
My thoughts and prayers are with you and always with Leslie. My memories will always be as a neighbor, friend and tennis partner of Leslie's - She was gentle, kind, loving and fierce on the tennis court.
All of my Love and Deepest Sympathy.

Katrina Colosimo-Slovak

September 12, 2012

Leslie and I were friends since 6th grade. We reconnected through our "girls weekends" in California. Leslie packed more living into the last 5 years than many people do in a lifetime. I know her family has many happy memories. I will always cherish the memory of the last trips we took, and all the fun we had.

Brian Jensen

September 11, 2012

I miss my dear wife....

Cheri Finch Liddell

September 11, 2012

So sorry that we all have lost such a bright shining star. Leslie has been my friend since we were 11 years old. Throughout the years she was always an inspiration to me; she was beautiful, intelligent, and talented in everything she did. It's obvious Leslie will live on through her lovely daughters.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.

September 10, 2012

Our sympathy goes out to all Leslie's family. She was a valiant fighter in her battle with Breast Cancer and we all hope for a cure. Sincerely, Doug & Keo Dueling, Des Moines, Iowa

Julie Dappen

September 10, 2012

We'll miss her strength, creativity, kindness and gentle presence. Our sympathy to the family she loved so much. --Friends at MAP for Nonprofits

Bonnie Weske

September 10, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Leslies passing. Brian - my thoughts and prayers go out to You, Laura & Margaux as well as the Jensen and Benda families. I know this will be a very difficult time for all of you. She touched so many lives and people in positive ways and I feel blessed to have known her. The one true light in all of this is she is no longer in pain.
God Bless.
-Bonnie & Brad

Mythili Chari

September 10, 2012

We remember and miss Leslie at our Bookclub! I have very fond memories of Leslie's talent in creating a very special CD cover for my daughter, with her graphic design skills. Condolences to Brian, Laura and Margaux and wish the family courage and great memories!

Karen Lafferty

September 10, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear Leslie is gone. She was such a caring, truly good person and friend. I will miss her. Deepest sympathy to Laura, Margo and Brian.

September 10, 2012

Laura and Margaux -- You were given a gift in your mom; a gentle spirit with such courage. She was so proud of you!
Anna Lampe

Nancy Rajanen

September 10, 2012

She was so special, and will be missed.

Jeannie Hanson

September 10, 2012

“Yet ultimately we are alone, making our way home by the candle of the heart. Many times our light will go out. But another light, one held by a stranger or a friend, a book or a song, a blackbird or a wildflower, comes close enough so we can see our path by its light. And in time we realize that the light we have borrowed was always our own.” Joan Borysenko, Author
For all the heart-light Leslie shared, all the paths she illuminated, all the love she radiated, she must have heard God say “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She is home, and she is radiant and shining! My prayers are with you all.
In Christ's love and promise,
Jeannie Hanson

Countryside Vet

September 10, 2012

Dear Jensen family,
We're so saddened to hear of Leslie's death. She was a pillar of courage and determination. I know she and Dr Molnau are meeting again. Leslie will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. With deepest sympathy to the whole Jensen Family,
Sincerely,
Countryside Vet. Staff

Ann Charest-Engfer

September 10, 2012

Leslie was a wise and gentle spirit that touched us in the quietest of ways. I'm sure Buster was waiting for her at the bridge to take her to directly to her mom.

Our love to Brian, Laura and Margaux and her entire extended family and circle of friends.

Ann, David and Jon

Mark Daum

September 10, 2012

Brian, may your memories and Leslie's spirit comfort you and your family in the days and weeks ahead. I am sincerely saddened for your loss.

Nancy Paul

September 10, 2012

I was lucky to have had Leslie for my little sister as well as one of my closest friends. Leslie was hugely talented and highly intelligent, but I think her best attribute was her ability to listen and not judge. She was very motivated and driven and for that I always admired her.

I loved her very much and will miss her for the rest of my life.

Suzanne Nordblom

September 10, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your familiy.

Bob Sytsma

September 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Its been many years, I was very sad to hear about Leslie's passing. Bob Sytsma

Tim Looby

September 10, 2012

We were very sorry to hear that Leslie lost her battle with cancer. She was a remarkable woman, and will be long remembered. God bless Leslie.

Lori Knutson

September 10, 2012

We will miss you in our family, Leslie. What a fight you gave this awful cancer! I see you even more now in your beautiful daughters Laura and Margaux. Go in peace.

Cheryl Laurence

September 9, 2012

Leslie was a remarkable woman and my baby sister. I will miss her everyday. We had so many great times and talks. Even though I am years older, she taught me much. We took some great sister trips and those memories will keep me going. I had only hoped for many more. Laura and Margaux will remind us of all that was important in your life. You live on through them.

Jeanne Rostad

September 9, 2012

Brian, I am so sorry for your loss.

September 9, 2012

have not seen this beautiful lady since our high school days, but she was always in my thoughts and prays; she is and was a wonderful human being

Dee May (Munyon)

September 9, 2012

This news saddens my heart. I don't know Leslie's family but I do know they are mourning a life beautifully lived. She was a friend to many and I know of a group of her closest friends who must be struggling too, as well as countless other friends and family. May you find peace in the presence of a love that never dies.

Laurie Landry

September 9, 2012

Leslie was one of the bravest, strongest and positive women that I've ever met. My heart goes out to Brian, her beautiful daughters and her faithful companion Eddie.

Katie (Thede) Winter

September 9, 2012

A sweet and gentle spirit, always with a shy smile and kind words for everyone... that is how I remember Leslie. We were not close friends, but we knew each other in high school through the Dorian Art Club and 'reconnected' through today's social networking technology. My heartfelt sympathy to her family and all who traveled with her on life's journey. May you continue to live in the light of her love.

Randi Millman

September 9, 2012

Condolences to Leslie's family and to all who love and will miss her.

Debra & David Mickelson

September 9, 2012

Leslie was always so kind to my family and I. Your two beautiful daughters are a tribute to you and her, Brian. Our prayers are with you all...God bless.

Linda Vandell

September 9, 2012

Leslie was a special cousin with so much talent and so generous in sharing this with us. We have gained so much from her strength throughout this journey.

Jean (Trafford) Agan

September 9, 2012

Leslie was a friend and fellow cheerleader in high school. I have somewhat been able to keep in touch with her over the years, seeing her most recently at our 35th class reunion. I have always thought of her as a beautifully talented and very intelligent person, with a kind and gentle spirit. My heart goes out to all her family and closest friends, who gave her much love & support. Bless you all....

Liz Heller

September 9, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the Benda/Jensen families.

Christine Krogstad

September 9, 2012

Leslie lived with a strength and courage that few people know how to do. Just knowing her during her last years has changed me. I see more how "time" is a gift and I don't take it so much for granted as I did. I feel honored to have known her. Richard and I loved her.

Dee Vogel

September 9, 2012

Although I did not know you that well you were a part of my extended Jensen family. I pray for your family and know that you are finally at peace and pain free. May God bless those who will treasure your memory forever.

Gail Baar

September 9, 2012

We will miss Leslie so much, we send our love to Brian, Laura and Margaux.

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February 10, 2017

Linda Rother posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2014

Mark Smith posted to the memorial.

October 25, 2012

Kathie Harvey posted to the memorial.