Susan Jensen Wollesen, 79, of Lawton, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on September 23rd, 2025. Services are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. A family-only service will be held at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel on October 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A public Celebration of Life will be held at the Sioux City Country Club on October 6, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Susan Jensen Wollesen was born on December 9th, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa. The daughter of Irving Frederick Jensen and Elizabeth Macfarlane Jensen. Susan graduated from Central High School in 1964. On August 9th, 1970, Susan married the love of her life, Sherman Wollesen. In 1974, they moved to their forever home on the farm in Lawton, where they raised their 5 children.
Susan loved to spend the summers in Okoboji sailing, water skiing, and teaching the kids all about summer life at the lake. Okoboji was one of her greatest pleasures. She also enjoyed spending her winters in Vero Beach, FL, where she would walk on the beach and play golf. She loved to volunteer her time and was a fierce advocate for all she believed in. She was a volunteer for the Woodbury County Drug Court, Woodbury County Planning and Zoning, CAASA, and the Junior League of Sioux City. She loved to play bridge with her friends, antiquing with her Questers group, reading, cross-stitching gifts for friends and family, attending Morningside University basketball games, spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events.
Susan was a protector of her family, a woman who could give just as much as she could take, and a formidable opponent, but she loved with all her heart. She had an infectious laugh and a smile that could take over a room.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Sherman W. Wollesen; daughter Kim Waagmeester & Randy (Rock Rapids, IA); daughter Kirsten Wollesen (Lawton, IA); daughter Erika Leupold & John (Spirit Lake, IA); and son William Wollesen & Danika (Lawton, IA). Grandchildren Tyler Figge (Denver, CO), Victoria Figge (Pleasant Hill, IA), Whitney Anderson & Ben (Fargo, ND), Veronica Waagmeester (Rock Rapids, IA), Anthea Leupold, Addilin Leupold (Spirit Lake, IA), Elsie Wollesen and Wyatt Wollesen (Lawton, IA), brother Erik Jensen & Mary (Franktown, CO), brother Mark Jensen & Kay (Okoboji, IA), sister-in-law Alice Jensen (Spirit Lake, IA), as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Julie Jensen Wollesen, her mother-in-law Matie Wollesen, father-in-law Elmer Wollesen, her brother, Irving Jensen, Jr. & wife Carolyn, brother Colin Jensen, an infant brother, Douglas, an infant sister, Lise Lynne, and niece Elizabeth Jensen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Girls, Inc., Sioux City, IA, or the cause of your choice.
