Norrine Jensen

A funeral service for Norrine A. Jensen will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 20, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, MN.  The Rev. Richard Sliper will officiate.  Burial will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, Ellendale.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 PM on Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea, and again one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Norrine passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020 at the New Richland Care Center.  She was 85 years old.

Norrine Audrey (Thompson) was born on September 29, 1934 in Steele County to Noel and Ardis (Lee) Thompson.  She grew up around Beaver Lake, and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1952.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College, and her Master of Music degree from Mankato State University.

On August 20, 1954, she was united in marriage to Edwin Jensen at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale.  The couple spent 65 wonderful years together.

Norrine worked as a music teacher for nearly 30 years in Albert Lea and surrounding areas.  She also taught private music and voice lessons.  Norrine was the church organist and choir director at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale since 1954 – where she would also play and sing at many funerals, weddings, and other church events.  Norrine was a very accomplished musician.  She was proud to sing in the Roger Tenney Chorale, with the Norma B. & Company, and the Owatonna Original Dixieland Band, along with many others.  Norrine also participated in musical theater, being in numerous plays throughout her life.  Other hobbies included: traveling, studying her Norwegian heritage, bible studies, walking, gardening, and serving in various capacities in the Republican Party.  Norrine enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s events and concerts, and cherished every moment spent with her family.

She is preceded in death by both parents, Noel and Ardis Thompson; and a daughter in-law, Barb Jensen.

Norrine is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ed Jensen; children, Faith Hanley, Steven Jensen, Suzanne (Scott) Swanson, and Jane (Barry) Braaten; grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Bytnar, Jasmine (Thomas) Vaale, Chrissy Jensen, Angelie Jensen, David Jensen, Derek Kruckeberg, Brad (Bre) Kruckeberg, Andy (Lindsey) Braaten, and Alysa Braaten; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Emma, Lincoln, Locklen, Lacey, Jaden, Priscilla, Trenton, Liam, Blake, Brantley, and June; a brother, Stan Thompson; as well as many extended relatives and friends.

Blessed be her memory.