Ellendale woman turns 90 this Halloween

Janice Jensen of Ellendale was born on Oct. 31 of 1936, which means her 90th birthday is coming up, even though, in her words, “I certainly don’t feel like I’m 90.” Her family threw her a party at the Ellendale Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, and she said she was “blown away” by the turnout of over 100 family members. There were so many people, they ran out of tables, leaving some people in attendance standing.

 

Michael Marcus, son-in-law, was at the door chatting with people who were showing up. He said, “Janice had two boys and two girls. I married the oldest girl.”

 

Bona Jensen, daughter-in-law, was working in the kitchen. She said, “We have ham or turkey sandwiches, chips, a variety of bars and cookies and sweet lemonade.” She was unable to elaborate further because so many people showed up and she needed to restock the food tables. Behind the food table was a life size cardboard cutout of the birthday girl herself as a teenager in a yellow dress. Janice directed as many people to look at it as possible. She said she loved having it there.

 

Max and Marleen Jensen from Albert Lea were sitting at a long table, finishing their plates, and Max said, “I’m her second cousin. We didn’t have to travel too far, but it’s nice to see everyone.”

 

Janice’s granddaughter, Kyra, who is about to turn 20 years old, remarkably has the same birthdate as her grandmother, also on Oct. 31.

 

Janice, who doesn’t look like she’s a day over 65, was energetic and on her feet greeting every person who walked through the door. Her great-grandson Drew went to fetch his little brother,  because he was the youngest member of her family present. Anthony, who is only 10 months old and from Winona, was nice and well behaved enough to take a photo with his great-grandma. Janice said she was amazed with the attendance, “This is wonderful, everyone from my family is here, nieces and nephews, grandkids, my great grandkids, my children as well.” She had to think for a moment when she asked who had traveled the furthest, “The furthest away anyone has traveled to get here would be from Missouri. I couldn’t have asked for a better day, perfect weather, surrounded by family. I love it!”