Phyllis V. Jensen

Phyllis Venetta Jensen (née Smith), 83, passed away on October 7, 2026. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose quiet strength and unwavering love anchored the family she and her husband built together.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 12th at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with Fr. Nicholas Radloff officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Phyllis Venetta Jensen, the daughter of Lonnie and Vera Smith was born on October 22, 1942 in Crestview, Florida. She graduated from high school in Germany. On September 8, 1960, she was married to Lyle Jensen in Sioux City, Iowa. They lived in Livermore, Iowa until 1963, when they moved to Garner. Phyllis cherished her family. She and her husband, Lyle, raised five daughters and established a foundation of love, stability, and devotion that has carried forward through generations. Her greatest pride was the family they created and the many loving homes that grew from it. Strong, steady, and always there when her family needed her, Phyllis leaves a legacy that will continue to shape the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Phyllis was also an avid and accomplished golfer, earning the distinction of club champion at her local country club. She possessed a remarkable ability to remain calm under pressure, whether facing an important putt or one of life's more difficult moments. That same quiet confidence and competitive spirit extended to card games, friendly wagers, and the occasional casino visit, where she had a memorable knack for coming away a winner.

As the daughter of an Air Force officer, Phyllis experienced life as a child in many places, including France, Germany, Guam, and Mississippi. Her childhood was filled with travel and new experiences that became part of her life's rich story.

Phyllis is survived by her five daughters, Tina Jensen of Urbandale, Pamela (Dennis) Jones of Garner, Brenda (Jay) Wheeler of Granger, Deborah (Dave) Engstler of Garner, and Angela (Beau) Greiman of Bull Valley, Illinois; eleven grandchildren, Kwin (Craig) Novacek, Kayli (Ryan) Ytzen, Kade (Emily) Jones, Jacob Wheeler, Katie Wheeler, Justin Wheeler, Whitney (Trevor) Urich, Jade (Tyler) Kahlstorf, Jace (Reagan) Engstler, Connor Greiman, and Carson Greiman; 18 great-grandchildren; her brother, Lennis "Len" (Amy) Smith; sister, Linda (John) Detota; and sister-in-law, Nancy Smith.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyle Leslie Jensen, who passed away in February 2019; her parents; and brothers, Dennis and Kevin Smith.

Phyllis lived her life with a quiet strength that never wavered. Her greatest accomplishments were not measured in awards or accolades, but in the family she nurtured, the stability she provided, and the love that continues through the generations. Her influence will be felt in the homes, hearts, and lives of her family for many years to come.