Elmer and Leona Jensen: An everlasting pair

Andrea Roberts
Times Contributor

 

Over a century ago, Standard resident Elmer Jensen came into the world, and this year, will watch his wife Leona blow out her 100 birthday candles next month. Up until last year, the couple, who has been married for a remarkable 75 years, enjoyed driving their truck to the feedlots to check on cattle, and driving out to Standard for a cup of coffee with their daughter-in-law.
Since Elmer gave up his driver’s licence on his milestone birthday last year, the couple have noticed a change in their usually active lifestyle, which they attribute to their similar interests in getting involved in the community.
“We are pretty compatible,” said Leona. “We have agreed on almost everything and we both came from Christian families.”
The parents of four, who spent most of their long life as ranchers near Standard, have had a pretty colourful life.
Although Elmer was born near his childhood home in Standard in 1914, Leona graced her family with her presence in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1915. With the families aware of each other, Leona and Elmer met at his brother’s Iowa graduation, and their love story began.
When the couple said their vows in 1940, they had no idea they would one day be celebrating their 75th year wedding anniversary. Over the years, the couple has played a big part in Standard’s community life. Not only were they involved in a number of organizations, such as the Homeschool Association, the Farmers’ Union, and the Lutheran Church, but Elmer served as mayor of the village for 13 years.
As the years went on, and Leona lost her mobility, the couple moved to the Sagewood Senior Community in Strathmore. While Leona is unable to partake in many activities she was able to actively participate in previously – such as quilting, sewing, and singing in a choir – the couple still enjoys each other company by snuggling up in each others’ rooms to watch the news.
“Considering everything, we’ve had a pretty good life,” said Elmer. “I feel like it is important for people to do what they want to do and to have an occupation that they enjoy doing.”
Leona will celebrate her 100th birthday on Aug. 7 with her family and friends in Standard.