Jean M. (Nelson) Kenison was born on August 1, 1925 to Clarence and Verna (Sonen) Nelson in Freemont Township, SD. She grew up and received her education in Colman, SD, graduating from Colman High School in 1942. From there she went on to attend Augustana College; during this time, she worked for the Oregon State Gaming Commission during the summers of 1943 and 1944. She then graduated with a degree in teaching on June 3, 1945.
On June 17, 1945 she was united in marriage to Stanley W. Kension. To this union, the couple was blessed with four children, Douglas, Jerome, Cleo, and Craig. The family farmed in Moody County until 1972. Jean and Stan then moved to California and then Texas where they managed apartments in San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. Jean then worked for the state of Texas in the child welfare department until retiring in 1988 at which time she and Stan moved back to South Dakota to be closer to family.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Douglas (Vicki) Kenison, Sioux Falls, SD, Jerome (Pat) Kension, Omaha, NE, Cleo (Gary) Snuggerud, Renner, SD, and Craig Kension, Tyler, TX; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Kenison, sister, Barbara Turner, and brother, Carroll Nelson.
A private family service was held on March 14, 2024.
