GARNER — Phyllis Venetta Jensen, 83, of Garner, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable family legacy, memories of her competitive spirit on the golf course and a lifetime of unwavering devotion to those she loved.
A funeral Mass was held Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner, with Father Nicholas Radloff officiating. Visitation was held at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m., and burial followed in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.
Phyllis was born October 22, 1942, in Crestview, Florida, the daughter of Lonnie and Vera (Brunson) Smith. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, her childhood was anything but ordinary. She lived in France, Germany, Guam and Mississippi, experiencing different cultures and places before graduating from high school in France.
Those early adventures were just the beginning of a life that would eventually bring her to Northern Iowa, where she established lasting roots and raised a family that would become her greatest source of pride.
On September 8, 1960, Phyllis married Lyle Jensen in Sioux City, Iowa. The couple initially made their home in Livermore before moving to Garner in 1963.
Together, Phyllis and Lyle raised five daughters: Tina, Pamela, Brenda, Deborah and Angela. Their home became the foundation of a growing family whose bonds would extend through generations.
Phyllis was the steady presence at the heart of it all. Her love was expressed through dependability, encouragement and the quiet reassurance that her family could always count on her.
While she took great pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Phyllis also knew how to enjoy a little friendly competition.
An avid and accomplished golfer, she earned the distinction of club champion at her local country club. Whether standing over a difficult putt or facing one of life’s challenges, Phyllis possessed an admirable ability to remain composed under pressure.
That competitive streak carried over to card games, friendly wagers and occasional visits to the casino, where she developed a reputation for having a remarkable knack for coming away a winner.
Those moments reflected a woman who could be both calm and determined, strong and gentle, serious when necessary and always ready to enjoy life’s pleasures.
Above all, Phyllis treasured the family she and Lyle had built together.
She is survived by her five daughters, Tina Jensen of Urbandale; Pamela (Dennis) Jones of Garner; Brenda (Jay) Wheeler of Granger; Deborah (Dave) Engstler of Garner; and Angela (Beau) Greiman of Bull Valley, Illinois.
She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Kwin (Craig) Novacek, Kayli (Ryan) Ytzen, Kade (Emily) Jones, Jacob Wheeler, Katie Wheeler, Justin Wheeler, Whitney (Trevor) Urich, Jade (Tyler) Kahlstorf, Jace (Reagan) Engstler, Connor Greiman and Carson Greiman.
Her family legacy continues through 18 great-grandchildren.
Other surviving family members include her brother, Lennis “Len” (Amy) Smith; sister, Linda (John) Detota; and sister-in-law, Nancy Smith.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyle Leslie Jensen, who passed away in February 2019; her parents, Lonnie and Vera Smith; and her brothers, Dennis and Kevin Smith.
For more than five decades, Garner was the place where Phyllis and Lyle built their life together, watched their daughters grow and welcomed new generations into their family.
Although her accomplishments on the golf course brought recognition, it was the love and stability she provided at home that became her greatest achievement.
Her quiet strength, steady presence and affection for those closest to her will continue to be felt in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Family and friends may share memories, leave condolences and learn more about her life through Phyllis V. Jensen’s obituary at Cataldo Funeral Home.
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