Audley Arvin Tensen

Audley Arvin Tensen, age 89, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at St. Luke Nursing Home.

Audley was born on December 13, 1936, in Hull, Iowa, to Harry and Matilda (Oordt) Tensen. He was raised in Hull, where he attended Hull Christian School and Western Christian High School. He furthered his education at Nettleton Business School for one year.

On January 25, 1959, Audley was united in marriage to Mary Westra. The couple made their home in Hull and were longtime members of First Reformed Church. Audley had a deep love for music and generously shared his gift of singing at weddings, funerals, and numerous church events.

Audley began his career working alongside his father at Tensen Implement. After his father’s retirement, Audley and his partners established Tri-State Implement near Doon. Following the sale of the business in the early 1990s, he continued working at A & I Products in Rock Valley.

After retiring, Audley and Mary moved to Spirit Lake, where they embraced lake life and treasured time with family. They were active members of Good News Church and formed many lasting friendships. In 2014, they relocated to The Highlands in Spencer and became members of Hope Church. Audley especially enjoyed his daily games of pool and fellowship with friends.

Audley found great joy in spending time with family. He loved vacations, camping trips, visiting national parks, snowmobiling in the Black Hills, camping in the Boundary Waters, golfing, playing cards, taking bus tours, and woodworking. He had a keen wit which he kept even during his battle with dementia.

Audley loved the Lord deeply and felt richly blessed throughout his life.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 69 years, Mary; his children and their spouses, Doug and Deb Tensen of Cedar Falls; Julie and Jim Vermeer of Spencer; Scott and Tracy Tensen of Des Moines; and Mark and Shanna Tensen of Shoreview, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Heidi (Phil) Jensen, Annie (Jared) Johnson, Tyler (Cassidy) Vermeer, Elliot (Megan) Tensen, Maxwell Tensen, Zoey Tensen (fiancé Kevin Snodgrass), Ava Tensen, and Lia Tensen; and ten great-grandchildren, Ila and Owen Johnson; Parker and Phin Jensen; Tucker, Weston, and Reese Vermeer; and Eleanor, Winnie, and Mabel Tensen; his sister-in-law, Carol Sterk, along with many cousins and dear friends.

Audley will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Private Family Graveside Services will be held at a later date.