Robert Jensen

Robert William Jensen, 77, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, April 17, 2010 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. He was born April 13, 1933, in Underwood, Minnesota, the son of William and Ruth (Sonstebo) Jensen. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1951. On September 5, 1954, he married Shirley Sonmor at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dalton. From 1954 to 1956 he served in the U.S. Army, working at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He farmed with his father until 1964 near Dalton. They moved to Minneapolis where he worked for Dakota Iron, and then became a territory manager for Badger. They raised their family in Owatonna, where he traveled for Butler. They later moved to Fort Atkinson, WI, where he was general sales manager for Butler. He finished his career with Sioux Steel out of Sioux Falls, SD as their general manager. He was a lifelong member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dalton, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married, and was also a member of the Masons. Robert held many interests and hobbies. He was a slalom and high jump skier in his youth. He enjoyed reading, studying history, gardening, hunting and fishing. His love for sailing took him to various destinations including the Apostle Islands and Naples, Florida. Robert was part of a golf league and enjoyed golfing with his family. He was a pilot, and built and flew radio controlled airplanes. His family meant everything to him. His philosophy was to learn and enjoy life. Preceding him in death were his parents, and a son, Steven in 1960. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Jensen of Fergus Falls; three children: Desta (Richard) Lutzwick of Fergus Falls, and Michael Jensen and Joni Jensen, both of Lindstrom, MN; two grandchildren: Eric of Bismarck, and Taylor of Fargo; a brother, Gary Jensen of Minneapolis; and two nieces, Robyn and Lori. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 2 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010, at Our Saviors Ten Mile Lake Lutheran Church in Dalton Clergy: Reverend Tom Junkert Interment: Our Saviors Cemetery, Dalton Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com