Lillie Marian Jensen's Obituary
Ocala, FL (formerly of Racine, WI) – Lillie Marian Jensen, age 102, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care in The Villages, Florida. She was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, faith, hard work, and devotion to her family and community.
Born in Racine on August 29, 1922, Lillie was the cherished daughter of Ferdinand and Emma (nee Ebbesen) Hansen. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Earl W. Jensen, on December 27, 1941. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and shared dreams until Earl’s passing in 1991.
Lillie was a gifted and creative soul, renowned for her artistry as a seamstress. Through her business, Custom Drapery Business, she transformed homes and spaces with intricate, handmade draperies that were as beautiful as they were functional. Each stitch she made was a reflection of her attention to detail, her care for others, and her unparalleled craftsmanship.
In addition to her work as a seamstress, Lillie and Earl owned the Circle In restaurant in Racine, where Lillie became known for preparing daily home-cooked meals and mouthwatering pies in the tiny kitchen of their home. The restaurant became a cherished local spot, and Lillie’s culinary delights left a lasting impression on everyone who tasted them. Later in life, the couple took on another venture, purchasing Cal’s Roast Beef restaurant, where their commitment to quality food and service continued.
Lillie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. As lifelong attendees of Calvary Memorial Church, she and Earl were active, dedicated supporters of the church, finding strength and purpose in their shared beliefs. Lillie was a strong, faithful believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and her unwavering faith brought comfort and guidance to those around her. Now, she is at peace, home at last with her Savior in Heaven.
Lillie’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, Dennis (Michelle) Jensen, Linda (James) Rich, and Calvin (Judith) Jensen. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Lori Jensen, Eric (Mary Ann) Jensen, Heather (Chad) Beard, Alex (Shani) Jensen, and Sam Jensen; and her great-grandchildren: Tyler Jensen, Foster Jensen, Lily Jensen, Charlie Beard, and Logan Jensen. Lillie was deeply loved by her special friend, Sandy Jensen, who brought joy and companionship to her life.
Lillie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl, a World War II veteran and survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, her parents, Ferdinand and Emma Hansen, and her dear sister, Lorraine (Charles) Barney.
A celebration of Lillie’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Calvary Memorial Church, 4001 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53405. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the ceremony in the chapel following at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Ethan Davis. A committal service will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Lillie’s memory perform a caring act of kindness to someone in need.
Lillie’s journey has come to a close, but the love, wisdom, and faith she shared with others will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know her. She is now at peace, surrounded by the love of her Savior and reunited with those she has dearly missed in Heaven.
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