Kenneth Jensen, 78, of Centralia, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on August 11, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Norman and Isabel (Menendez) Jensen. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Hatch, on August 8, 1987, in Macomb, IL.
Along with his devoted wife of 38 years, Charlotte Jensen, Ken is survived by his sons, Scott Jensen of Flagstaff, AZ, Robert Jensen (Kimberly) of Flagstaff, AZ, Christopher Frankhauser (Julia) of Bushnell, IL, and David Frankhauser (Michelle) of Columbus, IN; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren with the seventh due in September; sister, June Jensen of St. Louis, MO; and extended family members and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Isabel Jensen.
Ken served in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant in Vietnam from 1969-1971. He was a member of the Methodist Church in Central City and was always aware of the Lord’s presence in his life. Ken was also active as a member of the Marlin Perkins Society, the I-Club at the University of Iowa Athletic Department, and A.A.N.A. He valued education and, after obtaining his master’s degree, worked tirelessly as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, giving his patients compassionate, superior care for forty years. Ken and his family had a great appreciation for the St. Louis Zoo and enjoyed many memorable trips there. Ken will be remembered for his determination, quick wit, loyalty, and love for his family. Memories of Ken’s life lived to serve others will forever be a comfort to all who knew and loved him.
A celebration-of-life memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, June 4, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visiting time with Ken’s family from 1:00 pm until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home in Centralia. A visitation service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Macomb, IL, on Friday, June 5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Ken’s honor to the University of Iowa Athletic Fund or the St. Louis Zoo. Online condolences and memories of Ken may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
