Charlene H. Jenson, 80, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died at her home, surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.

She was born Feb. 20, 1937, in Racine Township, Mower County, Minnesota, to Henry and Clara (Jensen) Peterson. Charlene graduated from Austin (Minnesota) High School. She was united in marriage to Clair “Terry” Jenson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin on Sept. 9, 1956. Charlene and Terry made their home in Albert Lea where they raised five children, Shawn, Randy, Jonelle, Kristin, and Mitchell.

Charlene worked as a secretary for Albert Lea Public Schools for more than 30 years. In retirement she volunteered at the Naeve Hospital Gift Shop. She was strong in her faith and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active in many activities, including singing in the choir. Charlene cherished the lifelong friends from the “Neighborhood” Birthday Club, which gathered for more than 60 years. She enjoyed crocheting, hardanger, canning, and spending time at their cabin on Beaver Lake. Charlene was known for a good game of bridge.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Terry, of Albert Lea; daughter, Shawn (Dean) VanHal of Ellendale; son, Randy (Carole) Jenson of  Rochester, Minnesota, daughter,  Jonelle Ignaszewski of Albert Lea, and daughter, and Kristin Saari of Rochester; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Charlene was preceded in death by son, Mitchell Jenson; mother, Clara Schurer; father, Henry Peterson; stepfather, Elmer Schurer; sister, Jeanette Bahl; and brother, Willis Peterson.

We will always cherish our memories of Charlene. She was a classy, stylish lady who was the organizer and the pillar of our family. There was nothing more important to Charlene than the love she had for her family.  Blessed be her memory!

Funeral services for Charlene will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Eileen Woyen will officiate. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery, Albert Lea.  Friends may visit with family one hour prior to services at the church.

Bonnerup Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.