Ivan Jensen

A father, a friend, died on 4/11/2010 after being in declining health for several months. He is survived by his wife Roxanne of Ketchum, Idaho; sons Ron (Becky) Jensen, Bloomington, MN, Rod (Vicki) Jensen, Fergus Falls, MN and Roger Jensen, Blanchard, OK. Grandchildren Andy (Lesley), Shakopee, MN, Matt Jensen, Crystal, MN, David Jensen, Fergus Falls, MN, Amanda (Ryan) DeYounge, Worthington, MN, Nathan Jensen, Fargo, ND, Adam (Tammy) Cowan, Estille Springs, TN, Rose Marie Jensen, Bismarck, ND. Great-grandchildren: Darby, Shelby and Aubry Cowan, Estille Springs, TN. Ivan is predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Elvera Jensen, Minneapolis, MN and his son Russell Jensen, Bismarck, ND. Ivan was married to Mildred (Skiba) Jensen from 1945 - 1971 when they divorced. Mildred Jensen Bernard died in 1999.  Ivan was recently recognized by the State Board of Professional Engineers in North Dakota as the longest serving registrant Professional Engineer PE-0290 with 60 years of service. Ivan had graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master of Civil Engineering degree in the mid 1940's and subsequently worked for General Dynamics in Forth Worth, TX designing tail structures for the "Flying Fortress". During this time, he authored a text in design practices, which he used when he began teaching at the University of North Dakota in 1946. He retired from UND in 1980, having held positions as Associate, Professor and then Chairman of the Department of Civil Engineering.  As a teacher of problem solving, Ivan's reputation with his engineering students over the years remains "unforgettable". Remarkably, most of those students will admit that they did learn what they signed up for! Simultaneous to his teaching career, Ivan owned his own consulting business, providing technical design and investigative services for his clients and field experience for those learning. His expertise included testing subsoil for structure design, construction analysis and occasionally investigation and technical representation on cause and effect. Never characterized as a hobby man, Ivan excelled in bridge, curling, bowling, speed skating, and dancing. His most competitive spirit was evident when he played tennis and handball, which he played aggressively into his 60's. His love of classical music was evident throughout his life, beginning with learning and playing violin as a child on violins handcrafted by his father Jacob. His personal pride in music was when he earned 2nd violin position during his college years at University of MN.  Some of Ivan's practiced and known trademarks were his always-present cigar, the construction of the perfect gimlet and a strong need to lead in song at many and various gatherings. Always participating in fraternal and community benefiting activities, Ivan was proud of a near perfect attendance record with Lions Intl. for 50 years from 1957-2007. Significant contributions to the Elks, School for the Blind, Shriners, Senior Citizen Center, and Salvation Army were all a part of his want and need to participate and contribute. Ivan's enthusiasm for life and success will long be remembered.   Ivan’s family plan to have a private prayer service in honor of their father/grandfather.