Gladys Caroline (Johnson) Jensen, 97, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at her daughter's home.

Gladys was born on October 23, 1929, in West Union, Minnesota, to James L. and Laura Johnson. She attended country school through eighth grade before continuing her education at Osakis High School, where she graduated in 1947.

On January 10, 1948, Gladys married Donald M. Jensen in Long Prairie, Minnesota. Together, they built a life centered around family, friendship, and making memories. They lived in Minneapolis before Don's work transferred them to Austin and eventually Rochester, Minnesota.

Gladys was a homemaker during the years her children were at home. While living in Rochester, she worked at Bethany Nursery School and later at the Minnesota Department of Health for many years, retiring in 1987.

Gladys loved to dance, listen to polka and country music, cook, sew, and travel. After retirement, she and Don enjoyed making a life at their lake home in Osakis, Minnesota, where they welcomed family and friends, entertained, and cherished time together, especially with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During the cold Minnesota winter months, they traveled south to their home in Arizona, where they enjoyed the sunshine and the many friendships they made along the way.

Gladys and her loving husband, Don, were a charismatic and social couple who attracted friends easily, resulting in so many lifelong friendships. Their warmth and welcoming spirits made connections that remained an important part of their lives.

In her later years, Gladys found great joy and companionship in her beloved dog, Mona. She was blessed to remain in her own home, surrounded by the wonderful care and kindness of friends and neighbors. She was deeply grateful to everyone who helped and supported her throughout those years.

Gladys was the proud mother of Sharon, Janice, and Daniel, and leaves behind a family spanning generations. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all the friends, neighbors, and caregivers who provided such wonderful care, kindness, and companionship to Gladys throughout her later years. Your generosity and support meant more than words can express.

Gladys is survived by her children, Sharon and Daniel, along with a loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She is remembered by her granddaughter Heidi, her children Jory and Zebadiah, and her grandchildren Tenley and Zebadiah Jr.; her granddaughter Mandi (Ethan), their children MacKenzie, Cooper, Kiley (Anthony), Bailey, and Tom (Leigh); her grandson Tyler (Jaynelle), their children Dylan and Mylah; her grandson Aaron and his son Zander; her grandson Ian; her granddaughter Tara (Nick), their children Henry and Lucas; her granddaughter Kayla and her children Olivia, Evelyn, and Vincent; and her granddaughter Mali.

Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her daughter, Janice; her parents, James L. and Laura Johnson; and her brothers, Bud (Milly), Harley (Alice), and Darrell (Lorraine).

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.