Gerda Marie Jensen

Our amazing Mom, GERDA MARIE JENSEN, was born on August 25, 1933, to Holger and Metha Noerbaek in Horsens, Denmark. The sixth of 8 children, her childhood was spent having fun with siblings, and swimming in the ocean. She has vivid memories of the German occupation of Denmark during World War II. When she was 16 years old, our Dad, Poul Erik, who was 18 at the time, began courting Mom, riding his bike across town to see her every chance he got. He was a frequent shopper at the shoe store where mom worked. They were engaged in 1952, and married on May 7, 1955. When they married, Mom knew that Dad planned to immigrate to America. They arrived here in 1958, after brief stays in Oklahoma City and Salt Lake City, they moved to Wichita, Kansas - where their first child, Linda was born in 1961. Mom was homesick, so 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 my Dad had the itch to return to the United States and live the American Dream. Mom relented, they returned to Wichita, and their son, Erik was born in 1968. Poul and Gerda became proud American citizens in 1982. Mom completely immersed herself in raising and loving her family. She had help from a small Danish community of friends, and dear neighbors who have been lifelong friends and helped her to navigate in her new country. She was a very active, involved Mom, participating as a room parent, PTA member, attending girl scout camp, and always cheering us on in anything we were involved with - whether we were in sports, cheerleading, or horse shows, Mom was always there. This continued with her grandchildren - she rarely missed a performance or game. Our parents wanted us to see this country. Some of our fondest memories are loading up the station wagon and going on a 3 week vacation - in a tent. Mom cooked every meal, mostly on a camp stove - as adults, we realized this really wasnt much of a vacation for Mom - but she loved it - because we did. Later, she did take amazing vacations - she and Dad traveled extensively throughout the world, often returning to Denmark to visit their families. After their first cruise, they couldnt 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. Mom made sure we kept Danish traditions alive - especially Christmas -we were always amazed at all she accomplished in the month of December to make the holidays special. She was known for her Danish Pastry - our paternal Grandfather owned a bakery, and he taught mom during a visit here. She was also accomplished in knitting and needlepoint, producing many family heirlooms. She loved flowers and feeding the birds - their yard was a haven! And, she loved Abbas music - many family gatherings turned into dance parties! Mom and Dad often marveled how their family grew from 2 young immigrants to all of us. Mom loved being a grandma - "Mormor" to her 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons. They were truly her pride and joy. She uniquely connected with each one of us to make us feel special and cherished. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 62 years, Poul Erik Jensen, daughters, Linda (Kyle) Stuart, Maybrit (Jon) Cramer; son, Erik (Courtney) Jensen; grandchildren, Lindsay (Dan) Haven, Kaitlyn (Alex) Salazar, Broc Cramer, Braden (Bailey) Stuart, Nicklaus Cramer, Katie Cramer, Emily Jensen, Hannah Jensen, Kayla Jensen; great-grandchildren, Jensen & Jaden Salazar. There are two phrases all of her grandchildren can say in Danish - "Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you" and "I love you". So, because of Mormors legacy we will SMILE - maybe through tears - and LOVE intentionally and intensely - just as she modeled. Moms trust in Jesus through her brief struggle with cancer was absolute. She knew she was going home to heaven - and it was "going to be good". She faced this challenge with the same strength and dignity she exhibited throughout her life. We are consoled that she left us on Good Friday - we know she celebrated Easter with Jesus! Memorials may be given in Gerdas name to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.