Thelma M. (Briner) Jensen, 89, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at the La Salle County Nursing Home in Ottawa. Private Graveside Services were held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Arrangements are through the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Thelma was born on January 13th, 1930 in Streator to Robert and Anna Pearl (Linn) Briner. She was a graduate of Streator High School, class of 1948. She worked for the LaSalle County Superintendent of Schools for over 22 years, as a bookkeeper and then for the Truant Office for over 3 years. She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Epworth Village Board Member, Share Food Coordinator, Southside Neighborhood Watch Captain, AFSCME Retirees Executive Board, where she served terms as President, Secretary, and Treasurer, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Red Cross Volunteer, and AARP. She loved the companionship of her dog, Opie.
She is survived by her three children, Judith (Fred) Wiebe, of Black Canyon City, AZ, David (Kathy) Brickert, and Deborah (Kent) Paul, both of Marseilles, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, A.R. Brickert, her second husband Roy Jensen, a brother, Robert Briner, three sisters, Gladys Burkett, Delores Bethard, and Roberta Bethard, a great-grandson, Mark Wiebe, and a special companion, Jack Painter.
Memorials may be directed to the Epworth United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
Thelma was laid to rest in The Garden of the Last Supper.