J. Loyd Jensen

Jens Loyd Jensen was born December 11, 1932 in Waterloo, Nebraska, in the first house built in western Douglas County, to Rasmus and Marie (Hogensen) Jensen. Loyd weighed over 14 pounds at birth. He attended Waterloo Public School and graduated in 1951. When Loyd was 13 years old, he, his parents and brother, Lawrence, went to Denmark for two months. At first the boys did not want to go, but after being there, they didn’t want to leave. Loyd married the love of his life, Virginia Marie Otte on June 13, 1952. To this union, three children were born: Linda Loy, Kimberly Marie, and Marla Joy. Loyd was drafted in 1954 and served in the Army for two years. He and his family were stationed in Kansas and Georgia. Loyd worked as a cook in the Army and used his carving expertise at holiday gatherings throughout his life. After serving in the Army, Loyd and his family moved to Valley where he worked for Roberts Dairy in Waterloo. In 1958, Loyd built a home next to his parents’ in rural Waterloo, NE. The home was built with the help of his wife’s family-A.C. Otte, Marvin Petersen, and Jerry Otte. Loyd built several additions to the home himself, including a family room and garage. He also built a shed to store his numerous tractors, canoe, and assortment of tools. Loyd worked as a deputy for Douglas County, as a special agent for the Union Pacific Railroad, and as a deputy for Dodge County. In 1971, he began working at Kellogg’s and remained there until his retirement. Loyd scheduled himself for the night shift at Kellogg’s which allowed him to farm during the day. He purchased land by Uehling, La Vista, and 80 acres next to his home in Waterloo. While farming at La Vista, he also raised cows. He dearly loved his cows and had each of them named. He and his dog, “Pogey”, would make their daily trips to the property to do chores and share a lunch. Loyd was a hard working guy who loved his tractors and enjoyed working with wood. He enjoyed taking family to his workshop to see all of his projects and treasures. He loved animals and took in a lot of strays. The strays hung around forever because they always had a special fried hamburger treat. During his retirement years, he traveled with Virginia and his sister, Lee Jensen, to go fishing in Minnesota. He enjoyed his grandchildren and attending their events. He and his wife were avid gardeners during their retirement years and were always happy to share their bountiful harvests. Loyd passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. He is preceded in death by his parents Rasmus and Marie Jensen, his wife Virginia, daughters Kimberly and Marla, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Loyd is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Linda and Bill Christensen of Lincoln, NE, brother and sister-in-law Lawrence and Gwen Jensen of Lynnwood, WA; grandchildren Lauren Christensen and her husband Joshua LaBure of Denver, CO, Cocoa (Fudge) Kloxin of Ketchikan, AK, Jarrad Fudge of Haines, AK; and many nieces and nephews. J. Loyd Jensen, age 83, of Waterloo, NE, died 7/9/16. Preceded in death by wife Virginia, daughters Marla and Kimberly, parents, and 4 brothers and sisters. Survived by daughter and son-in-law Linda (Bill) Christensen of Lincoln, NE, grandchildren Lauren Christensen, Cocoa Fudge, and Jarrad Fudge, brother and siser-in-law Lawrence (Gwen) Jensen of Linwood, WA, numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service Monday, 10:30 AM, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Valley. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn with military honors. Visitation Sunday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn.

J. Loyd Jensen

December 11, 1932 - July 9, 2016