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 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.

Jean really enjoyed camping and traveling with family and friends.  The couple owned many campers over the years. Kings Hwy was their favorite.

Jean was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

In 2016 she moved to Sunny Crest Senior Living Apartments where she made many friends. In August of 2020 she moved to Orchard Hills Assisted Living in Dell Rapids, she loved her life there and the many people she met.

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, Steve (Sara) Snuggerud, Ryan (Jill) Snuggerud, Ashleigh (Jerrad) Benz, Tiffany Kenison, and Nicholas (Heidi) Kenison; 10 great-grandchildren, Jaylyn, Bryleigh, Kate, Kane, Cooper, Camden, Aubree, Lindi, Irving, and Nona.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Kenison, sister, Barbara Turner, and brother, Carroll Nelson.

Private family services.