Wayne “Butch” Edward Jensen, 81, of Manning, IA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Manning, officiated by Rev. Lori Shannon. Burial will take place at a later date in Manning Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1:00 – 1:45 P.M. on Tuesday at the church, prior to the service. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Arrangements are under the care of Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.
Wayne was born on October 2, 1943, in Carroll, IA, to Gus and Eunice (McMahon) Jensen. He was the youngest of five children. He was raised in Manning, graduating from Manning High School in 1961. After high school, he worked at Rix Standard Oil Station before driving for the Manning Creamery and later Claus Nielsen, where he discovered his lifelong passion for trucking.
On December 6, 1964, Wayne married Pamla Bellows at the United Methodist Church in Manning, officiated by Rev. Lester Moore. Together, they built a life in Manning, raising their four children: Lana, Don, Bobbie Jo, and Linda.
Wayne briefly served as manager of W.C.I.R.W.A. for two years before returning to his true calling—trucking. He founded and operated Jensen Trucking for over 40 years before retiring in 2009. Even in retirement, he remained active, helping his son-in-law, Lynn, with farming and helping Rick with Twin Transfer.
Beyond his dedication to work, Butch found great joy in camping, the excitement of harvest season, and cherishing time with his grandchildren. He especially loved spending winters with Pam at Winter Ranch RV Park in Alamo, TX, where he was affectionately known as “The Mayor.” His kindness, humor, and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Pamla; his children and their families: daughter Lana Mallory of Grimes, son Don Jensen (Linda) of Manning, daughter Bobbie Jo Barry (Lynn) of Manilla, and daughter Linda Jensen of Windsor Heights, IA; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren with one on the way; 3 sisters-in-law: Kay Jackson (Steve) of Cedar Rapids, Peg Schafer of Arvada, CO, and Judy Jensen of Gardiner, MT; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Eunice Jensen; his father-in-law, Delmar Bellows, his mother-in-law Rebecca Bellows, and his stepmother-in-law Clara Bellows; two sisters, Jean Petersen (Pete) and Faye Walder (Ray); two brothers, Ken Jensen (Fern) and Alan “Buck” Jensen; and brother-in-law Dale Schafer.
Wayne “Butch” Jensen will be remembered for his kind spirit, hardworking nature, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
