Poul Erik Krogslund Jensen

Poul Erik Krogslund Jensen, Our sweet & kind Dad, POUL ERIK KROGSLUND JENSEN was born on October 4, 1931, to Niels and Alma Krogslund Jensen in Svendborg, Denmark. The third of 5 children, his childhood was spent having fun with siblings, and swimming in the ocean. He was very young when he began working as a delivery boy for a butcher. He often spoke of the difficulties they faced during the German occupation of Denmark during World War II. After Dad’s formal education, he entered an apprenticeship program to be a printer. As he was learning the trade, there was a shoe shop close to his training facility where a beautiful young woman, Gerda Marie Norbaek, caught his eye. He would ride his bike across town to see her every chance he got. After 3 years of courting they were engaged on May 3, 1952. All young men in Denmark were required to serve in the Danish Military for 2 years. However our Dad’s leadership abilities were quickly noticed and he was made an officer, which extended his time. Upon return from his military service, he married our Mom, Gerda Marie Jensen on May 7, 1955. They had an amazing marriage for over 62 years, until Mom went to Heaven on March 30, 2018. As a young man, Dad and 3 of his friends made plans to emigrate from Denmark. After considering South Africa, they chose the United States. Dad and Mom arrived in the states in 1958. They lived briefly in Oklahoma City and Salt Lake City, before moving to Wichita, Kansas - where their first child, Linda was born in 1961. They returned to Denmark in 1962, where Maybrit was born in 1964 (delivered at home by Dad - the midwife was late!). They lived there for about 3 years when our Dad had the itch to return to the United States and live the American Dream. They returned to Wichita in 1966, and their son, Erik was born in 1968. Poul and Gerda became proud American citizens in 1982. Dad was so proud to be an American and often teared up at displays of patriotism. Dad truly did live the American Dream. He came to Wichita to work for Gene Donlevy at Donlevy Lithograph. Gene became like a father to him, and welcomed him back when they returned to Wichita. Dad worked long, hard hours and taught us all to have a strong work ethic. His printing was truly a craft and he was very proud of his work. He ended up owning 49% of the company, together with Gene’s daughter, Carolyn Black. Although the business has changed hands, Erik continues his legacy in the field of fine printing at Donlevy Lithograph. Dad was a loving, supportive father. It was especially important for him that his children received a good education, and we are grateful he put us all three through college. It was also important to him that we see this country. We took amazing vacations, usually 3 weeks at a time, camping in a tent. Dad had a precise process to setting up and taking down the campsite, with all of us having a role in that! We can still see him pouring over the maps, plotting our trips. Dad loved seeing the world, and he and Mom travelled extensively. They often returned to Denmark to see their families. After their first cruise, they couldn’t wait to take all of us along - which they did - 9 times - even as our family continued to grow. We all have amazing memories of those cruises. After Mom passed, we know Dad missed her deeply. They had a beautiful love story and we are grateful for the example they have shown us - they built and nurtured a strong tight knit family that values our Danish traditions and each other. Nothing made Dad happier than having us all together. In his later years when Dad struggled with dementia, we are grateful that he remained the kind, compassionate and gentle man we have always known and loved. He found a way to be content, and maintained his playful sense of humor. We are especially grateful to the staffs at Park West Plaza and Dove Estate’s Memory Haven - they cared for Dad very well in his last years. Also, the hospice staff of Phoenix offered great support to Dad and to us in the last days. Dad and Mom often marveled how their family grew from 2 young immigrants to all of us. Dad loved being a grandfather - “Morfar” to his 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. When they weren’t traveling, they were attending all of their grandchildren’s events. Family was truly his highest priority, and his greatest pride and joy. He is deeply missed by daughters, Linda (Kyle) Stuart, Maybrit (Jon) Cramer; son, Erik (Courtney) Jensen; grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Haven, Kaitlyn (Alex) Salazar, Broc (Rachael) Cramer, Braden (Bailey) Stuart, Nicklaus (Carlie) Cramer, Katie (Denzel) Goolsby, Emily, Hannah & Kayla Jensen; great grandchildren, Jensen & Jaden Salazar, McQuady Stuart and Madeline Haven. We are extremely grateful for a visit Pastor Brent had with Dad last January. When asked if he had asked Jesus to forgive his sins and be his Savior his immediate answer was “Absolutely!” We have great comfort knowing that Dad’s final journey was to Heaven and back together with his beloved Gerda Marie. Memorial Service, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020, at First Mennonite Brethren Church. A memorial has been established with Salvation Army Wichita Angel Tree Program, 350 N. Market, Wichita, Ks 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.