Shirley Ann Jensen

Shirley Ann (Ahrens) Jensen, age 85 of Worthington died Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD. She was born May 18, 1936 in Fairmont, MN to parents Emil and Alma (Girard) Ahrens. In 1938 the family moved to Worthington. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1954. After graduation, Shirley went straight to work, employed as a waitress at several popular restaurants and cafés, notably Council Oaks, The Gobbler, Ahlf Drug, and Fred’s Café. She retired as a proud employee of 17 years with Kmart in Worthington.

Shirley married the love of her life, Robert (Lefty) Jensen on November 23, 1957. Together they had three daughters that Shirley lovingly referred to as her "darling daughters". In addition to her love of family, Shirley lived a very strong Catholic faith. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Worthington, volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister and in the women’s church guild.

Shirley loved crafting, crocheting thousands of dishcloths for friends and family over the years. Anyone lucky enough to be at the Jensen dinner table would enjoy Shirley’s famous fried chicken as she was an excellent cook and even better baker. Shirley also enjoyed playing games with family and friends. She would never admit it but Shirley had a robust competitive spirit and hid her zest for competition by often saying, "I just love to play". Her favorites included Uno, Bingo, Phase 10, Yahtzee, and Cribbage.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters; Mary (Bruce) Viessman, West Fargo ND; Jeannie (Joe) Vortherms, Corcoran MN, Lori (Scott) Fildes, Naples FL; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and much loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, three siblings, and two nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be sent to the St. Mary’s School Endowment Fund, 1206 8th Avenue, Worthington, MN 56187.

Visitation is from 5~7 PM Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington and also one hour prior at the church on Thursday.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Worthington, offciated by Father Jim Callahan and Deacon Vern Behrends. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

   To live stream the funeral service please visit http://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH

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