Beulah Mae Jenson

Beulah Mae Falkofske Jenson “Boo” was born October 16, 1934, in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin to Arnold and Alvina Falkofske. The family later moved to Ellsworth, Wisconsin where she spent her school years and the family operated a variety store in East End. Her dad was also an educator, and Beulah would follow in his footsteps. Her early years were full of family, friends and lots of shenanigans with her Falkofske cousins. She never loved her name, but her dad did so much that he had a street named after her in Ellsworth. She made life-long friends, the “Ellsworth Girls” - Pat, Wilma, Betty, Janet and Marilyn. With all the amazing friends she had, her best friend was her sister Jackie. Anytime the Falkofske sisters got together, you know that there were good times to be had.

Beulah attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. Even though only 8 miles from home, her dad insisted that she live on campus and enjoy the university life, and boy did she. She was a cheerleader, chairman of numerous carnivals, and liked to drink a beer or two. After graduation she took her first teaching job in Kenosha, Wisconsin. While Beulah was home for a visit, family friends told a shy Delward Jenson that Beulah was home and that he should meet her. The rest is history…

Del and Beulah were married July 9, 1960, and moved to Ladysmith, WI where both taught school. During this time, Jeff was born. The family made the first of many moves to Columbia, SC and then to Indianapolis, IN, where Jim was born. Del, having progressed his career in the publishing business, had the opportunity to move the family to Sunnyvale, CA. It is here that Heidi was born. Beulah was always willing to support Del in his many adventures, and they then moved to Sweet Home, Oregon. In Oregon, she was able to live a short distance from her sister Jackie and her family. The sisters enjoyed these years and spent many holidays together. Both sisters instilled a love of Norwegian holiday traditions to their families that are still being carried on to this day. In 1981 they landed in Blackfoot, ID where Beulah taught school for 18 years. During this time, she met and “fostered” many Wisconsin teachers that had moved to Blackfoot to teach. She opened her home for holidays and they became like family. Beulah never wanted anyone to be alone. Wherever Beulah lived she had so many friends that surrounded her. She had bridge groups, International Dinner friends, golf friends, church group, jet boat trip friends “River Rats” and the list goes on and on. She was a proud member PEO, and of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Beulah was very active in every church wherever she lived.

After 20 years in Blackfoot Beulah and Del decided to retire to the Arizona Desert. In Sun City, they reunited with Wisconsin friends and in true Beulah fashion made many more. They had an amazing 20 years living their best golden years. The grandkids especially loved going to visit their grandparents in Arizona and will have lifelong memories from the time they spent.

Boo will be best remembered for her “Beulahisms” and her love of sports. She was an avid, and at times a bit over the top, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and Boise State fan. She loved reading, cards, golf, just a “titch” of wine and spending time in service of her church. She wasn’t just a teacher, but a teacher that was many students’ favorite. She was always so positive, caring, and giving of herself. Even in her final years, she was still feisty, loved to tease, and wanted to talk to everyone. She will be dearly missed by everyone who was ever blessed to know her.

Beulah is preceded in death by her husband Del, her sister Jackie Swenson and her parents. She is survived by her children Jeff (Gloria) Jenson, Jim Jenson, and Heidi (Steve) Ehle, nine grandchildren (Jennifer Dahandeh, Nicole O’Regan, Kyle Jenson, Kaitlin Burgess, Ryder Jenson, Kimberly Jenson, Kade Ehle, Kalli Ehle, and Kody Ehle), and seven great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Her legacy will live on through those she taught, loved, welcomed and inspired.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, with her and Delward’s final resting place in Glen Flora, Wisconsin.