Darlene Mae Jens

Darlene Mae Jens was born November 9, 1941 in Griswold, Iowa to Clarence Wayne and Lucille Irene (Harris) Way. As a child she grew up in several different cities throughout Nebraska.

In 1977 Darlene moved to the Champion area to be near family.

Darlene loved puzzle books and completed the Globe Puzzle every day. She loved her daily walks and was an avid card player. Pinochle, pitch, you name the game, she was a willing participant.

Never sitting idle, Darlene taught her children and grandchildren a strong work ethic and bestowed a charitable spirit of giving back to the community. Darlene volunteered in a variety of different ways, even picking up trash at the fairgrounds until 2020 until her health would no longer allow.

Darlene was an animal lover of all kinds but had an affinity towards cats and dogs.

Darlene was President and canteen manager of the Imperial VFW for over 20 years. It is here that in 1989 she met her latest love, Kenn Shafer. A relationship that flourished throughout the years.

Darlene is survived by her longtime partner, Kenn Shafer; her children, Rick Jens, Randy Jens, Roxane (Johnny) Miller, Rory (Candy) Jens and Ryan Jens; her brothers, Willard (Judy) Way and Lee Way; her sister, Sara Myers; sister-in-law Erma Jens; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clarence Way Jr., and Ray Way; and grandson, Travis Courter.

Memorial Services for Darlene Jens will be held Friday afternoon, November 17th, 2023, 2:00 P.M. (Mountain Time), at Zion Lutheran Church, Imperial, NE, with Reverend Scott Adle officiating. Inurnment will follow at Crete Cemetery, Champion, NE.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Imperial Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxillary, Post # 4688