Donald E Jensen

Donald (Don) E. Jensen, 84, of Bismarck, died on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in his home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, April 25, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St., Bismarck, with Msgr. Thomas Richter officiating. Don will be buried with full Military Honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 pm Sunday, April 24, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil/rosary will begin at 7:00 pm. Don was born on September 22, 1931, in Sioux City, Iowa, and moved with his family to Bismarck later that year. Don graduated in 1950, from Bismarck High School. He earned his Eagle Scout award and was elected to the Order of the Arrow with the Boy Scouts of America. In 1949, Don enlisted in the Army and spent his entire military career with the North Dakota Army National Guard. During that time, he was called to Active Duty and to the Reserves. Don’s military career covered a broad range of assignments including Infantry, Ordnance, Engineering, and Selective Service. Don retired honorably in 1987 at the rank of Colonel. Don met his true love, Irene in 1951. They married December 12, 1955 and spent 60+ wonderful years together. Everywhere Don and Irene went, they were seen holding hands. For over 52 years, Don worked and/or owned Jensen’s Upholstery (formerly Home Decorators). As a young child, Don worked for his father, Alfred Jensen, who owned Jensen’s Upholstery. Later Don and Irene bought Jensen’s Upholstery and ran the business until they retired in 1995. He continued re-storing antique furniture and framing pictures after his retirement. Don’s absolute enjoyment was being “The ‘Bestest’ Daddy in the Whole World” to his 4 kids, and “The ‘Greatest’ Great Grandpa” to his 8 grandchildren & 6 great-grandchildren. Don was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and many good friends. He is survived by his wife, Irene; one son, Dale Jensen (Renee), Carmel IN; three daughters: Jolene Peters (Craig), The Villages, FL; Janet Jensen-Wolf, Louisville, CO; Janel Horner (Jeff), Prior Lake, MN; 8 grandchildren: David Jensen (Jill), Kevin Jensen (Katherine), Anna Jensen, Elizabeth Jensen, Brandon Wolf, Brittany Wolf (Fiancée - Evan Harvie), Jessica Yost (Brett), Justin Horner (Mary); 6 great-grandchildren: Nora and Natalie Jensen, Padraig, Dylan, and Margaret Jensen, Madeline Yost; and his only sister, Janice Lyons (Drew), Phoenix, AZ. Don was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Stella (Brown) Jensen; his step-mother Hilda Jensen; and his only brother Alfred Jensen Jr. Memorials, in memory of Don, may be directed to St Alexis Hospital Hospice Care in Bismarck. Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Don and sign the online guestbook.