Mary Lynn Jensen

Mary Lynn Jensen, 77, of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary was born on May 21, 1949, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Norman and Bernice Jensen. On June 10, 1967, she married James L. Jensen. The couple made their home in Sauk Prairie, where they owned and operated Mar-A-Kay Lanes bowling alley during the 1970s while raising their family. They later lived in several Wisconsin communities before returning to the Sauk Prairie area in 1979, where Mary remained for the rest of her life.

Mary worked for many years at ABC Supply Company and BJ Electric before retiring. Those who knew her, however, would say her greatest calling was simply being there for others. She was the kind of person who showed up whenever someone needed help, never hesitating to lend a hand or offer her support.

Mary embraced life wholeheartedly. She loved to travel, cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers, spend time with family and friends, and dote on her beloved cat, Buddy. She cherished friendships that lasted more than 50 years—first sharing bowling leagues in their younger days, then gathering weekly for lunch and spirited games of Euchre. After moving to Pine Vista, she welcomed new friendships with the same warmth and kindness she had always shown. She was also affectionately known for being a bit of a crazy driver. Perhaps her most endearing trademark was telling each of her children and grandchildren that they were her favorite. It became a beloved family joke because everyone knew they had heard the very same words—and somehow, she made each of them believe it.

Above all else, Mary was a devoted and proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was always there for her children—the steady, comforting place they could turn whenever life became difficult. Her grandchildren absolutely adored her, and she treasured every moment she spent with them. Spunky, fun-loving, sweet, and just a little stubborn, she had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcome. It was impossible to know Mary without loving her.

Mary is survived by her children, Sheri White (Kurt Nichols), James L. Jensen II (Dawn), David Jensen, and Scott Jensen (Kim); her former daughter-in-law, Cathy Jensen; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Diane Grenawalt (Don); and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Jensen; her parents, Norman and Bernice Jensen; her grandson, Shane Sweeney; and her siblings, Ron (Rose) Jensen, Geraldine (Louis) Ohland, and Wayne (Eileen) Jensen.

She spent a lifetime telling her children and grandchildren they were her favorite. In the end, they all knew the truth: Mary was theirs.

A funeral service will be held at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service. Interment will follow in the Prairie du Sac Cemetery.