Helen Louise Jensen

Helen Louise Burkhardt Jensen, age 97, was born October 6, 1920 in Topeka, KS. She passed peacefully on December 21, 2017. Her parents were Edgar Allan Burkhardt Sr. and Edna Jessie Walker Burkhardt. She attended Topeka schools of Randolph, Boswell, graduated from Topeka High School in 1938 and Washburn University in 1942. In 1970, she received her Master's in Education from Washburn. She earned her Private Pilot's license in 1943.

She taught school in Seneca, Valley Falls, Silver Lake and Topeka 501, retiring in 1983. She was a member of Central Congregational Church, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Chapter DN of PEO, Group XI, Washburn Alumni, TARTA and KNEA. She received the 2004 Topeka Friends of Education Award as a school volunteer.

She loved being a grandma, was an avid reader and loved to travel and experience new things. She continued to ride her bicycle well into her 80's. She leaves behind many fond memories with those who knew and loved her.

She married Roy Heavilin Jensen on March 3, 1946. He died January 24, 1978. She is survived by two sons, Kerry Roy Jensen and his wife Bobbie Jo of Rogers, AR and Hal Lewis Jensen and his wife Julie of Topeka, KS, grandchildren Sarah, Corby, Tyler, Brendan, Ryan, Kevin, Kelly, Katie, Stacy and fifteen great grandchildren. A third son, Chris Allan Jensen, preceded her in death on October 30, 1997. Her brother Allan Burkhardt Jr. and sisters Ethel Burkhardt Winter and Mary Grace Burkhardt Morgan also preceded her in death.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30AM on January 6, 2018, at Mount Hope Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Visitation will follow the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. Please note in memory of Helen Jensen.