Carol Louise Jensen, 88, of Belvidere, passed away April 12, 2011. She was born December 23, 1922 in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Ozman Lewis and Stella Viola (Kerrison) Morgan. Carol lived her entire life in the Rockford / Belvidere area. As a teenager, Carol performed with her sisters at The Home Talent shows singing and playing guitar. Carol met her future husband, Karl F. Jensen, at one of those talent shows. After meeting Karl, Carol performed with him as the "Hillbilly Sweetheart". After a short courtship, Carol and Karl were married on October 12, 1940 in Oak Park, Illinois. They made their home in Belvidere, where they both worked at the Champion Packaging Company. On September 9, 1956, both of them were confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and they remained committed to their faith for the rest of their lives. Carol's aunt introduced them to iris flowers in 1963, and for the next 27 years iris were a way of life for the Jensens. They developed eight new varieties of iris and became well known throughout the iris community. Carol won several "Queens of the Show" (Grand Champions) awards and she went on to become a master iris judge. Carol loved to spend her time crocheting and she could often be found working her puzzle books and playing cards. Carol is survived by a daughter, Judy C. (David) Ehlen, of Santee, California and a son, Ronald K. (Mary) Jensen, of Machesney Park, Illinois; a daughter in law, Anna (Randy) Jensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois; a sister, Evelyn Carlson, San Jose, California; eight grandchildren, Ron (Lora) Jensen, Jr, Rhonda (Phil) Valdez, Rodney (Mary) Jensen, Ruth Ehlen, David (Michelle) Ehlen, Jr., Donald (Margaret)Jensen, Brian (Melissa) Jensen and Holly (Dennis) Thomas; eleven great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren. Carol is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 55 years, her son, Randall K. Jensen, a great-granddaughter, Sierra, two sisters and three brothers.

Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the American Lung Association.