Memorial

Paula Jensen Kovalan passed away on October 22, 2026 at St. Luke’s Transitional Care Center in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Stateroom on Wednesday October 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. with a service to follow at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service at our Family Center & Library.   Burial: Private

Paula Jensen was born in Carroll, Iowa to Walter and Pauline Jensen, and grew up in nearby Denison. Paula and Mark Kovalan were married in 1990.

Paula began a career in teaching after graduation from Wayne State College. She taught primarily social studies and psychology classes at Denison High School and then Linn-Mar High School in Marion, IA. She earned an advanced degree (EdS) from University of Iowa and entered the second half of her career as a school psychologist, working at Great River and Grant Wood AEAs. She also taught classes for Kirkwood Community College.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Pauline Jensen, and brothers Roger and Donald Lee (“Butch”) Jensen.

Paula is survived by her husband Mark, niece Robin Schiltz of Denison IA, and nephew Shawn (Traci) Jensen of South Sioux City, NE, along with several grand-nieces and nephews: Kati (Ben) Bostwick, Kendra Schiltz (Saul Bravo), Kelsey Schiltz, Cael Jensen, Wyatt Jensen, and Mackenzie Jensen. Great grand nieces and nephews include Kaidan, Leylani, Evan, Aj, Maliyah, Emma, and Rylee. Valued in-laws include Randell Bohlmann, Joanne Kovalan, Sarah Kovalan, and Anne, Matt, and Charles Kovalan-Santoni.

Paula enjoyed sewing and knitting, and the camaraderie of a weekly knitting group.

We would like to sincerely thank the excellent staffs of St. Luke’s Transition Care Center and UnityPoint Hospice for their kindness and care.

Looking back to previous challenges, we also thank Hall Perrine Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic for helping make possible many good years.

Finally, we wish to thank our marvelous friends for their extensive support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Mayo Clinic or Zion Church (Hiawatha) Little Lambs Preschool.