Karen Joy Jensen

Karen Joy Wik Jensen peacefully passed away on May 8, 2024, just 10-weeks after the loss of her beloved husband, Preben Jensen. Born on August 23, 1943, in Fairfield, Idaho, Karen was the eldest daughter of Beth Pond Wik Simmons and Joseph Alfred Wik, Jr. Her legacy of genuine love, boundless energy, and unwavering faith will be forever treasured by those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. 

Karen grew up in Orange County, California in the warmth of the sun and the warmth of her mother’s strength and joyful music. As her mom’s little shadow she was always mothering her brother Tony and “the girls,” Barbara and Marva. It seemed only natural that she studied Early Childhood Education at Brigham Young University. During this time she met the love of her life, Preben Jensen. Married on June 23, 1967, Ben and Karen started their life together in Salt Lake City where Karen taught elementary school for a few years before having children. Karen did motherhood like she did everything else, with full energy and enthusiasm.  

Karen was a ball of energy who was always happiest when she was keeping busy. From sewing and crocheting to gardening and painting, she loved to create and was fearless about trying new things. In addition to managing a home and raising her children, she taught piano for several years and ran the business-side of her husband’s dental lab. 

• There wasn't anything she couldn't do or at least try her hand at.  She truly took advantage of her time and lived every minute to its fullest extent. 
• 
  

In addition to her role as a devoted mother and wife, Karen played an active role in her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had a gift of living with hope and faith. Not many things phased her despite having her share of hardships. She focused on what differences she could make and on the good in people. She practiced her faith by accepting people for who they are in that very moment and treating all she met with love and compassion. 

During her golden years, when they weren’t spending time with family, Ben and Karen had a great time traveling the world, going for long drives, and walking just about everywhere. Ben devotedly cared for her throughout their lives and especially in her declining years.  She exuded an easy-going happiness with life right until the end.  

Karen’s passing is preceded by the loss of her husband, Preben Jensen. She is survived by her siblings, Tony Wik, Marva Price, and Barbara Quigley as well as her three adoring daughters and sons in law, Kerri and Rodney Miller, Jody and Christian Matsumori, Lisa and Jens Pawelke. And grandchildren (by age), Taylor Glover, Sage Weber, Josh Miller, Javin Matsumori, Malia Matsumori, Marcus Pawelke, Austin Pawelke, Ezra Matsumori and Anna Pawelke.   

The family invites you to come happy and bright to celebrate Karen’s life. Services will be held on Friday, May 17^th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 2115 East Sublette Place Sandy, UT 84093. The services will commence with a viewing from 6:00 – 6:30 PM, immediately followed by a short funeral service and Celebration of Life dessert buffet. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.