Melissa Jensen

Melissa passed away Sept. 1, 2025, at Edgewood Vista in Brookings, SD.
There will be a private family service held at a later date.
Melissa Ann Jensen was born on April 22, 1939, in Exira, IA, the daughter of Frank and Elsie (Rasmussen) Gault.
Melissa attended school in Exira, IA, and was a graduate of the Exira High School in 1957. She was united in marriage to Darrell Jensen in 1957. They moved to Maryville, MO, where Darrell received his Bachelors degree. They then moved to New Virginia, IA, where Melissa was employed as a secretary in the school system. In 1968, they moved to Iowa City, IA where Darrell continued his education and received his P.H.D., and Melissa worked in the counseling dept at the University of Iowa.
In 1971, they moved to Volga, SD, and Melissa was employed at Cover-to-Cover Bookstore in Brookings, SD. She was also a volunteer at the Sioux Valley Elementary School in Volga for over 20 years teaching first graders to read.
She was an active member of the Volga Christian Reformed Church in Volga.
Melissa enjoyed reading, traveling, and attending her childrens, grandchildrens, and great-grandchildrens sporting events and activities. She also spent many years raising the family while supporting Darrell in his education and career.
Melissa is survived by her husband Darrell Jensen: her son Thom Jensen of Volga, SD: her daughter Jane Jensen of Volga, SD: her grandchildren John JF (Mackenzie) Jensen of Sioux Falls, SD, Katie Jensen of Brookings, SD, Elizabeth (John) Soost of Brookings, SD, Abigail (Jake) Teubert of Brookings, SD, Ellen Jensen of Stillwater, OK: and her eight grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son William, and her two brothers and one sister.