Grethe Jonna Jensen, 89, of Larned, Kansas, passed away peacefully in her home with her daughter by her side on June 16, 2026. Family members from Denmark, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins Colorado, and Wichita Kansas were able to visit Grethe the few weeks prior to her passing, and take great comfort in the time they were able to spend with her.

Grethe was born on November 30, 1936, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the daughter of Alex Børge Rostgaard Petersen and Sofie Esther Rostgaard Petersen.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Jensen; her parents; her son, Erik Jensen; her sisters, Alice Simonsen, Birthe Christiansen, and Inge Persson; her grandsons, Taylan Donaho and Tony Cable.

Grethe is survived by her children, Damian (Lori) Jensen of Wichita, Kansas, Heidi Donaho of Larned, Kansas, and Elvi Engelsman of Denmark; her brother Finn Petersen of Denmark; seven grandchildren, Logan Jensen, Tera Eling, Trista Donaho, Brianne Jensen, Christian Jensen, Jonathan Chacon, and Enya Chacon; and eleven great-grandchildren, Lylee, Callie, Elle, Taydyn, Tavyn, Gloria Rose, Octavia, Khaleesi, Diesel, Zoey, William, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A longtime area resident, Grethe was a caring homemaker for many years and later served as partner and manager of the Larned Bowling Center. She was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Larned, a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, a past member of the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and a dedicated volunteer at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

Grethe was the embodiment of a loving and giving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. No matter the hour, family and friends were welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home. She genuinely treasured every visit and every phone call.

She created countless cherished memories for her family. Summers found her grandchildren gathered at her home, for weeks at a time. She delighted in taking them to the pool, often driving by with snacks and cold drinks. During Christmas, she lovingly carried on Danish traditions, including lighting candles on the Christmas tree and filling her home with the aroma of freshly baked klejners, sugar cookies, and other holiday treats.

Grethe expressed her love through her many talents. She knitted gloves and scarves for her grandchildren, sewed matching Christmas outfits, and handcrafted beautiful quilts that became treasured keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she shared the tastes and traditions of Denmark through favorite dishes such as sardines, rhubarb pudding, and an endless assortment of homemade pies, including blueberry, apple, and pumpkin.

More than anything, Grethe loved having her family together. Holidays, summer gatherings, and everyday visits were special occasions in her eyes. She was a bright light to so many, always ready with an encouraging word, a listening ear, and a compassionate heart. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Beckwith Mortuary from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026. A Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church prior to the Memorial Mass. Memorial Mass will directly follow the Rosary at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Patrick Otor, MSP, presiding. Inurnment will follow at Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.

The family wishes to thank everyone who took the time to pray for Grethe's soul and for the many expressions of love, support, and kindness shown to her family and friends. Personal condolences may be left at beckwithmortuary.com.