Jackie Louise Jensen

Jackie Jensen, 77, of Waterloo, IA, died peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on September 27, 1945 in Waterloo, the daughter of Kenneth and Dena (Weichers) Noelting.

Jackie graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1963. She married Larry Jensen that same year. They went on to have two daughters before divorcing in 1980. After staying at home with her children for many years she returned to college, earning her bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa in 1986.

She taught math for the Waterloo Community School District at West High School and Expo High School, retiring in 2010. She then returned to teaching at Hawkeye Community College until 2020. Jackie also did private tutoring, assisting in the boosting of math grades for many?. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and P.E.O. Chapter IX.

She loved playing cards, reading, and going to church. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, particularly her grandchildren. She loved traveling and making her famous chocolate chip cookies to send along with her kids whenever they had a road trip. Her banana bread was incredible and she shared it with many. She was always up for experiencing new things and never said no to a challenge. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her zip lining during her retirement trip.

Jackie is survived by her daughter, Julie (Eric) Ritland of Waterloo; son-in-law, Tom (Lana) Petersen of Hudson; grandchildren, Justin (Holly) Petersen, Courtney (Nick) Adam, Matt Ritland, and Nick Ritland; great-grandchildren, James and Sawyer Petersen; brothers, James (Sandy) Noelting, and David (LaDonna) Noelting.

Jackie is preceded in death by her daughter, Janée Petersen.

Memorial Services: 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waterloo.

Visitation: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday, March 20, 2023 at Locke at Tower Park, Waterloo.

Burial: Garden of Memories Cemetery, Waterloo.