Ernest George Jensen

Ernest George Jensen, 89, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Ernest George was born on April 10, 1925 in Keen Township of Clay County the son of George Fredrick and Dorothy (Dauner) Jensen. He attended rural school District #30 in Keen Township through the eighth grade and graduated from Hitterdal High School.

During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force in 1943 and served on an Aircraft Carrier in the Pacific until December of 1945. He was then stationed at the Air Force Base on Midway Island until June of 1946 when he was honorably discharged. He was very proud of serving his country and enjoyed reminiscing about his time in the Navy.

On June 6, 1948 he married the love of his life, Luella M. Gehrke at the Lawrence Presbyterian Church. The couple purchased a farm in Aastad Township where they began a family and raised their four children. Ernest farmed for many years. In the mid 60’s, he started Jensen Builders then purchased Wendell Lumber and later started Ernie’s Wood Works which is now known as Valley Woods in Wendell.

Ernie was a member of the Aastad Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #0426 and the Wendell Lion’s Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and mowing lawn but most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa.

Preceding him in death were his parents; infant grandson, Kyle Jensen; son-in-law, Jeffrey Everson; brothers, Joseph Jensen, Chester Jensen, Howard Jensen; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Jensen and Janet Jensen; brother-in-law, Victor Hanson.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Luella; two sons, David (Kathy) Jensen of Wendell, Daryl (Angi) Jensen of Wendell; two daughters, Diane (Wayne) Norgren of Fergus Falls, Denise (Kevin) Sundblad of Wendell; 11 grandchildren, Melissa (Keith) Rogal, Ammy Norgren, Paula (Adam) Swanson, Jodi Norgren, Tyler (Jenni) Jensen, Camille (Rick) Heyman, Michelle (James) Casias, Kelcy Jensen, Kimberly (Jacob) Hildebrandt, Jessica (Mike) Wrenn, Heather Everson; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Stanley (Arlene) Jensen of Fergus Falls; sister, Lenora Hanson of Fosston; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lorain and Dorothy Gehrke. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2014 with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Aastad Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Dr. Eugene Boe
Interment: Aastad Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.