Louise Jensen, of Breese, formerly of Centralia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 90 at Belleville Memorial Hospital.
Louise was born on September 9, 1935 in Enfield, IL, the daughter of Elmer Simmons and Ruth (Shaw) Simmons. She married Dr. Roger A. Jensen on June 9, 1957 in Enfield, IL and he preceded her in death on September 3, 2023 after 66 years of marriage.
Louise is survived by her three loving children: Pamela Kreke of Breese, Illinois; J.R. Jensen and his wife Bobbie of Fredericktown, Missouri; and Jeffrey Jensen and his wife Mary Jo, also of Fredericktown, Missouri. Her legacy continues through her 12 grandchildren: Kathy Langenfeld of Centralia, Andrew Langenfeld of Orlando, Florida, Emily Gnaedinger and her husband Craig of Pocahontas, Laura Rapini and her husband Vincent of St. Peters, Missouri, Matthew Kreke and his wife Cassie of Breese, Sarah Niemeyer and her husband Brian of Highland, Jamie Jones and her husband Gary of Fredericktown, Missouri, Amber Cresswell and her husband Winston of Farmington, Missouri, Taylor Pyles and her husband Drew of Milford, Michigan, Courtney Sikes and her husband Joaby of Fredericktown, Missouri, Reed Jensen and his wife Marissa of Hollister, Missouri, and Ellie Stonecipher and her husband Zach of Nixa, Missouri. Louise was also blessed with 18 great-grandchildren. A son-in-law: Forrest Langenfeld of Centralia, Illinois, two sisters: Shirley Harris of Carmi, Illinois and Pat Jackson and husband Phil of Carmi, Illinois, and several loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger Jensen; her parents, Elmer Simmons and Ruth Simmons; her daughter, Julia Langenfeld; her sisters, Faye Chapman and Betty Wilson; her brothers, June Simmons and James Simmons; her son-in-law, David Kreke; her brother and sister-in-law, Warren Jensen and wife Grace.
Louise was a devoted homemaker who dedicated herself to nurturing her family, raising four successful children and helping those around her. She never missed any sporting activities that her children or grandchildren participated in. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and delivering Meals on Wheels for several years. She was always eager to offer her time and kindness to those in need. She enjoyed playing pinochle with her group of friends, and she cherished her 4-legged Dachshund companions over the years. Louise will be remembered for her warmth, her unyielding spirit, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion.
A private family funeral will take place at a later date. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Centralia. In memory of Louise, memorial donations may be made to the Centralia First United Methodist Church Building Fund, and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Jensen family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
