Gordon “Gordy” Jensson

Gordon “Gordy” Jensson, age 97 (and a half), of Riceville, Iowa, passed away on January 5, 2026, at the Riceville Family Care and Therapy Center.

Gordon Hubert Jensson was born on May 26, 1928, to Ole and Clara (Anderson) Jensson in Holt Township, Fillmore County, Minn. He attended country school and graduated from Lanesboro High School with the Class of 1946.  He continued his education at Luther College, but was called home by his father who needed him on the farm.

After returning home, he married the love of his life, Marian Opem on April 3, 1949.  Together they raised three children: Kathryn Jean, Philip Gordon and Paul Alan. 

In 1958, he returned to Luther College, with his family, where he sang in the Nordic Choir and graduated with a degree in music in 1960. He went on to teach vocal music in Riceville for 17 years, during which time he also was a partner in the Conoco gas station until its closing. He opened Gordy’s Grocery serving the community of Riceville for several years.  Never to sit idle, he went back to work, this time at Farmers Feed and Grain until he retired.  But retirement wasn’t for Gordy, so he went to work driving for Northeast Iowa Transit for the next 20 years. At the age of 84, he finally decided to actually retire. This allowed him time to perfect making “Grandpa Cookies.”

Music was always a big part of his life; from teaching vocal music, singing in the church choir, and forming the Mitchell County Concert Series. Gordy dedicated 40 plus years as a member of the Luren Singers (a Norwegian men’s singing society), where he earned his Diamond award for attending 20 Sangerfests. He was most proud of having the opportunity to sing with his son in-law, grandson, grandson in-law and nephew, during his years with the Luren Singers.

Survivors include his children: Kathryn Tesmer, Philip (Karla) Jensson and Paul (Susan) Jensson, 10 grandchildren and spouses, 20 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years Marian (May 8, 2024), parents Ole and Clara Jensson, father and mother in-laws Ted and Estelle Opem, sister Myrna (Ronnie) Johnson, brothers Robert (Mavis) and Orville (Ione), son in-law Jerry Tesmer and a grandson.

A special thank you to the Riceville Family Care Center and Howard County Hospice, we are eternally grateful for the loving care and compassion you shared with Gordy.

Memorial may be directed to the Riceville Ambulance, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Riceville.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday morning.  Burial will take place in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in rural Riceville. Schmelzer Funeral Home in Riceville is handling the arrangements.