Obituary

Mary Kay Jensen passed away on Tuesday October 28, 2025, at the age of 84. Mary Kay was born on May 2, 1941 to Norton and Mary (Burke) Farrington in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was the third of five siblings. Mary later married Lester Klootwyk, who helped raise her children.

She married Gene Jensen in 1962 and had three children. She was a stay-at-home mom, crafter, babysitter, baker, coach and so much more. She cared deeply for her family and it showed in all she did for them. Anyone that met Mary Kay could appreciate her warmth, compassion and of course her quick wit.

In 2000 Gene and Mary Kay moved from Des Moines to Kimberling City, MO. After Gene’s passing in 2011, she moved back to Des Moines to be closer to family. Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jon, David and Michael Farrington and sisters-in-law Sandy Farrington, Arleen Farrington and Joan Jensen. She is survived by her children, JoAnn (Mark) DeHaan of Des Moines, Charles Jensen (Lynette) of Eldon, IA and Michael (Katie) Jensen of Dallas Center; grandchildren, Katelyn (Jason) Rex, Ashley (Anthony) Morelli, Zackary Jensen, Ryan (Macy) Jensen, Joshua (Hillary) Jensen, Kassandra Jensen (Jordan), Kirk (Kelly) Jensen, T Peavey and Ashly Peavey, brother-in-law, Merle Jensen, sister Sue (Denny) Hagedorn, sisters-in-law Judy Farrington and Elaine Farrington and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be November 8th from 9:00-10:00am with mass following at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd, Des Moines. Burial will be immediately following at Rising Sun Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.

The family would like to thank Mary Kay’s caregivers at the Garden’s at Luther Park and Suncrest Hospice. They were all so kind and caring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Luther Park Gardens or to Suncrest Hospice.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Chapel

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