Catherine Ann Rose “Katie” (Tillman) Jensen, 76, passed away in her sleep on November 23rd, 2019 at Vintage on the Ponds Retirement Community in Delavan, Wisconsin.
Catherine, daughter of the late Clarence and Josephine Tillman, was born on April 11th, 1943 and raised in Linn, MO. One of seven children, she lived in Linn until she graduated from Linn High School, Class of 1961. After high school she married and moved to St. Louis, MO where her three children: Charlene, Dione, and Christopher were born. Following her divorce, she married Eric M. Jensen and moved to Mundelein, IL. Life and career changes subsequently took them to: Rockford, IL; Canton, MI; Manitowoc, WI; Norfolk, VA; LaCrescent, MN; Sarasota, FL; and Lake of the Ozarks, MO. When Eric passed away in 2014 she moved to Jefferson City, MO to be closer to friends until her health started to fail her, subsequently moving to Pacific, MO and Delavan, WI where her children could better care for her.
Catherine loved traveling, the arts, her dogs, photography, antiques, and sailing. She was well known for her paintings and handmade paper art. In her later years she enjoyed playing bingo and cards at the Pacific Eagles Club and Senior Center where she had many friends. Catherine led a privileged life with Eric and was able to indulge her thirst for education, earning Master’s Degrees in Fine Arts and in Marketing as well as an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design. Her children often referred to her career as being a “Full-Time Student.” Catherine loved to cook and believed that the more pots and pans used, the better the result, especially if her children were around to clean up the mess! She was very picky when it came to the taste of her food, and if it wasn’t to her standard, she’d be sure to let you know. Catherine was well known for lacking much of a “filter.” Just ask the nursing home aides about her always creative use of four-letter words!
All kidding aside, Catherine was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, grandchildren, many dogs, and friends, embracing each moment with them. She loved sailing with Eric and they had many adventures together. She had a vivacious personality, infectious smile, a kind, compassionate spirit, and loved to be around everyone. Catherine left a little sparkle wherever she went.
Catherine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Charlene (Troesser) and Troy Anhalt (Elkhorn, WI), daughter Dione (Troesser) Moxely (Crystal River, FL), and son Christopher “Chef” Troesser (Pacific, MO); grandchildren Nathan Anhalt (Fort Stewart, GA) and Harrison Anhalt (Fort Benning, GA); her sisters Dr. Donna Mae Tillman (Rio Rancho, NM), Elizabeth “Betty” Reinsch (St. Louis, MO), and Virginia Ames (Holts Summit, MO); many nieces and nephews; other relatives; friends; and very close family friend Kenny Leathers (Sandy, UT). She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Josephine, husband Eric, and brothers David, Frank, and Joseph Tillman.
In accordance with her wishes, Catherine will be cremated and spread with Eric’s ashes in a private ceremony this summer in Manitowoc, WI. If you would like to send a card to be read at the ceremony, you may send it to Charlene Anhalt, N7671 2nd Ave., Elkhorn, WI 53121. Masses offered at St. Georges Catholic Church in Linn, MO in remembrance of Catherine would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
