Susan K. Jensen

Susan K. Jensen, 72, of Beach Park, IL, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024.

Sue was born October 4, 1952 in Waukegan, IL, to Vernon and Carol Krapf. She married Don Jensen on September 29, 1974 in Milburn, IL. Sue graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI and became a Registered Nurse through St Lukes Hospital in Racine, WI. She worked for many years at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, IL where she served in many roles including Surgical Unit Charge Nurse, Labor and Delivery Nurse and finally her biggest accomplishment being the Director of the Post Anesthetic Recovery Room. While sometimes stressful, Labor and Delivery were her most cherished role. Taking part in bringing a new life into the world while sharing in the family’s joy brought her great happiness. After a long career, Sue eventually retired from Victory Hospital and took time to enjoy her other passions in life, her children and grandchildren, and her love for art and travel.

Above all, Sue was devoted to her three kids, two grandkids and her large extended family. She was an accomplished cook and never failed to whip up something special to celebrate the arrival of a new baby. Sue looked forward to Christmas year-round, beginning gift shopping in July. She had an extensive collection of Santa figures to make the house festive. When the kids were young, she bought special ornaments for the tree to commemorate milestones in their lives such as sports accomplishments, school milestones or buying a first car. These keepsakes will continue to remind the family of the precious times that were celebrated together.

Her other passion in life was art. Sue was an avid amateur stained glass and mosaic artist. She enjoyed creating pieces for friends and family, and loved to share her art with everyone.

Sue’s love of travel took her many places but her favorite place in the world was Belize. She fell in love with the small Caribbean nation and its people while visiting on a girl’s trip with her mom. She needed to share this hidden gem and brought the whole family back so they were able to appreciate the nature, beauty and culture of the country. When her declining health prevented further travel, she continued to read travel magazines and brochures, dreaming of visiting exotic places.

Susan is survived by her husband, Donald M. Jensen; children, Erin Jensen of Beach Park, IL, Brent (Ashley) Jensen, of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Dane (Krystal Chayer) Jensen, of Lake Villa, IL; grandchildren, Mileena and Matthew Jensen of Winthrop Harbor, IL; and a sister, Pamela Congdon of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rich (Cindy) Jensen, Phil (Sandy) Jensen, Julie (Dennis) Gonka, Liane (Frank) Kaiser, Connie (Paul) Gill, and Will (Vicki Partika) Young; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Jacob and Carol Juanita (Hosken, Edwards) Krapf; sister, Lana Young; nephew, Michael Young; mother and father-in-law, Milton Claude and Ina Clare (Lyons) Jensen; and brothers-in-law, Ardsley Congdon Sr. and Glenn Jensen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Please visit the online guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences and to view the livestream of the service.