Carol "CJ" Lensing, age 76, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, Iowa, with Father Jon Seda presiding. There will be no burial.

Per Carol's request, there will be no visitation before the service at the church on Friday morning; attendees are asked to please come in and be seated. There will be a luncheon following the service where guests will have the chance to greet the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to WinnMed Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, Iowa 52101.

CJ was born on April 30, 1950, and grew up in Festina, Iowa. He attended South Winneshiek Community School, where he graduated from high school. After graduation, CJ worked on the road in construction with Meyer Brothers and hauled feed for his father, Jerome Lensing.

CJ married the love of his life, Judy (Shimek) Lensing, and together they built a life centered around family. They welcomed two sons, Eric and Jason, and CJ took great pride in being a husband and father. Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made during the many trips CJ and Judy took together and the summer adventures they shared with their boys. Door County, Wisconsin, became a special place for CJ and Judy, where they enjoyed making memories together. They also created unforgettable memories as a family, including a memorable train ride to Colorado with their boys. Those trips were filled with adventure, laughter, and stories that have been told and retold through the years—many of which still bring laughter to the family today.

Cars and business were a lifelong passion for CJ. His father, Jerome, founded Lensing Motors in Festina, IA in the early 1970s, and CJ carried on that legacy when he started CJ Lensing Motors in Decorah in 1980. Through hard work, determination, and a natural talent for business and sales, CJ built the business into an important part of his life and community. In 2000, he built a new building for CJ Lensing Motors on Short Street in Decorah, IA. His son Eric, along with his brothers Buzz and Chuck Lensing, worked alongside him over the years.

CJ was truly a businessman through and through. He had a lifelong passion for all things automotive and took great pride in the business he built. He loved talking about cars, sharing his knowledge and experience with others, and keeping up with the ever-changing automotive world. He passed down not only his passion for the automotive business, but also his natural gift for sales and connecting with people to his sons, Eric and Jason. He was especially proud to see Eric continue the CJ Lensing Motors legacy after taking over the business in 2014. Today, Eric carries that legacy forward alongside Andrew Peterson, who became a business partner this year and was a friend CJ greatly admired.

Outside of work, CJ found joy in the simple things he loved most. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course, and in later years, he could often be found watching the game from home, with golf almost always playing on the television. But when football season arrived, the golf was quickly replaced by his beloved Chicago Bears. He shared his love for the Bears with his son Jason and his grandsons, Chase and Carsten, creating a special tradition they could enjoy together. He proudly cheered them on, sharing in both the excitement and frustrations that came with being a lifelong fan.

CJ became a familiar voice to many in the community through his regular appearances on KVIK radio. For years, he joined the station as a guest speaker every Tuesday and Friday, and eventually just on Fridays, where he talked about all things business. His straightforward nature and knowledge made him a well-known and well-loved presence in the community.

CJ was a man of few words, but those who knew him best understood the depth of love he carried in his heart. His family meant everything to him. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply. His grandchildren, in particular, were his world. He took immense pride in each of them and was so proud of the people they had become and the families they were beginning to create for their own. He had a special way of making each grandchild feel loved and known, often giving them playful nicknames that reflected the affection and joy they brought into his life. Alexa was his “Monkey,” Ashlyn was his “Tornado,” Chase was his “Chaser,” and Carsten was his “Bruiser.” These names became a special part of the bond they shared with their grandpa and are memories they will carry with them forever.

His love and influence can even be seen in the names they chose to carry forward. His son Jason named his first son (and CJ’s first grandson) Chase Jerome, carrying on his grandfather’s initials. Additionally, Carol’s granddaughter Alexa named her first son (CJ’s first great-grandson) Carver Jerome, also honoring her grandpa. These names are a lasting reminder of the love and impact CJ had on his family and the generations that follow.

CJ was so much more than a husband, a grandpa, a dad, or a businessman. He was a steady presence woven into the fabric of his family’s everyday lives, someone whose love, wisdom, and influence could be felt in countless ways. The impact he made on those around him will continue to speak for generations to come. His family will forever carry the values he instilled, the lessons he taught through both his words and his actions, and the love he so generously gave. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and future generations, each carrying a piece of him forward and continuing the story of a life that touched so many.

CJ was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his sons, Eric (Amy) Lensing and Jason (Cheri) Lensing; his grandchildren, Alexa (Alec) Fjelstul, Ashlyn Lensing (Nicholas Einck), Chase Jerome “CJ” (Lynzee) Lensing, and Carsten Lensing; and his great-grandchildren, Carver Jerome “CJ” Fjelstul and Kellan Fjelstul.

He is also survived by his brothers, Terry (Shirley) Lensing, Donnie (Mary Lou) Lensing, Marcellus “Buzz” (Peggy) Lensing, Jerome Jr. (Marilyn) Lensing, Gerard “Tubby” (Christi) Lensing, Bill Lensing, and Charles “Chuck” (Peggy) Lensing; his sisters, Mary (Terry) Wenthold and Anne (Bob) Price; his brothers-in-law, Ed (Julie) Shimek, Ron Shimek, Rick Shimek, Stan (Janean) Shimek, Mark Shimek, Gary (Chris) Shimek, Kenny (Kathy) Shimek, Leon Einck, and Leo Massman; and his sisters-in-law, Mary Lou (Donnie) Lensing, Noi Shimek and Doris Lensing; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Oda Lensing; his siblings, Bob “Petey” Lensing, Dean Lensing, and Susie Lensing; his parents-in-law, Lucille and Jerome Shimek; his brother-in-law, Francis Shimek; and his sisters-in-law, Nancy Einck and Barb Massman.