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BORN
1921
DIED
2008
Evelyn Jensen Obituary
Evelyn O. (Johnson) Jensen was born July 7, 1921, on a farm near Royal in northwest Iowa, the daughter of Albert H. and Ruth E. (Crane) Johnson.
A musician, composer, poet, playwright, teacher, author and entertainer, Evelyn was the dance accompanist at Iowa State University for 25 years and created and taught the course Sound and Movement in the dance curriculum. She was also a well known song stylist, actress and performer in Iowa clubs and theaters. Among other entertainments, she created solo concerts and revues and wrote the music, lyrics and libretto for the three-act musical melodrama, "Let the Buffalo Chips Fall Where They May," that was staged for ACTORS, the Ames Community Theater, where she also brought to life the title character in the Broadway show "Hello, Dolly!" After retiring from ISU, she accompanied the Octagon Tappers of Ames for nearly 10 years.
Evelyn graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), taught junior high school, directed church choirs and composed hymns, gave private lessons in piano and voice, composed and performed sound scores for nationally known choreographers, and mentored many students. The Iowa State Dance Tour Company Achievement in Outreach Award is named in her honor. She is also recognized at ISU's Plaza of Heroines.
Evelyn is survived by her son, Kim Jensen, and daughter-in-law, Tyla Jensen, of Stratford; her three daughters, April Jensen, of Boone, and Kris Jensen and Jill Jensen, both of West Des Moines; and seven nieces and nephews. Grandchildren include Taylor and Tanner Jensen, of Stratford, Kelly Jensen, of Marshalltown, and Jeri Lyn Jensen of Minneapolis, Minn. Great-grandchildren are Connor and Jordan Jensen, of Marshalltown.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard I. Jensen; parents, Albert and Ruth Johnson; and two sisters, Vivian Brugman and Lola Morrow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn Jensen
6 Entries
Mary Montgomery
April 29, 2008
Evelyn was a one-of-kind lady, and I was lucky to have known her -as pianist for the Octagon Tappers. Evelyn was so full of life, and "get up and go," that to be around her was to be energized.
The Tappers had some riotous road trips, and Evelyn was always at the center of it all. I'm sure she is ticklin' the ivories on the other side of the pearly gates right now.
BETTY MOORMAN
April 23, 2008
WHAT A TALENTED LADY! WE MET HER AT THE PIANO BAR AT THE IMPERIAL INN. SHE WOULD PLAY JACK'S AND MY SONG AS SOON AS WE MADE EYE CONTACT WITH HER. SHE WAS A DELIGHT TO BE AROUND.
WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I'M SURE ALL OF HER FAMILY WILL MISS HER.
Victoria Van Voorhis
April 22, 2008
I have known of and been privileged to have known Evelyn most of my life through the Ames Community Theatre; there are few people I have admired more or thought more talented.
One of my favorite memories (aside from Evelyn as Dolly Levi in "Hello, Dolly!") was Evelyn leading the sing-a-longs during the summer melodramas that ACTORS used to produce each year. Just thinking of her singing and playing piano, leading the audience in some really great "oldies" (and I do mean *oldies*) brings a smile. That cabaret-style truly suited her well. I also remember being stunned when I was at a cast party, and everyone was singing and Evelyn was accompanying us, when someone asked if she knew a certain song and she said, "No, but as long as you keep singing, I can keep playing." I still envy that talent.
She will be missed.
Sharon & John Boehringer
April 21, 2008
From the time I was a little girl I'll always remember the fun we had with my Aunt Evelyn. There was never a dull moment.....music, poems, plays, entertainment.....it went on and on. She will be missed by us all, but her songs and stories will go on. We are thankful to have had her this many years. A favorite memory is when she came to visit the west coast and then could hardly leave...and her expression when John presented her with a daffodil (in Feb.). It was priceless, as was she. Much love to the family.
Jannie Heath
April 19, 2008
Evelyn was a wonderful patient. I will truly miss her and her wonderful smile.
Jannie, PCT/MT, 2South MGMC
Jodi Furnald
April 19, 2008
I have such fond memories of Evelyn. What a great lady! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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