On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, OrDean Howard Jensen, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and husband, passed away at Rainy Lake Medical Center at the age of 86.
OrDean was born on December 29, 1934, in Badger, MN to Olonso Jensen and Hilda (Thorsten) Jensen and is an older brother to Darlene (Jensen) Dann of Cavalier, ND.
Born to an avid farming and outdoor family, OrDean carried that same enthusiasm throughout his life and instilled it in his children and grandchildren by taking them hunting every fall and fishing off the shores of Rainy River, Tilson’s Creek and Bowman’s landing in the spring and summer months.
After serving in the United States army which took him overseas and gave him many stories he loved sharing, he married Joan (Pearson) Jensen and moved to International Falls, MN where he worked in the paper mill as a pipe fitter for 38 years.
During this time, he and Joan had five children, Kevin, Greg, Kirk, JoDean, and Gary.
Along with his love for the outdoors, OrDean enjoyed gardening, working on his lawn, and making sure the birds and the squirrels were well fed. There was never a time when you walked into the house, and you weren’t offered a snack, a cup of cof-fee, or a game of cribbage. His grandchildren can attest that grandpa always wanted to play a game of cards, not only for entertainment, but for teaching purposes too. He wasn’t the type to let you win either, no matter what age you were. A win against grandpa was a win you earned.
There was always a lesson when you spent time with grandpa from learning to count, to talking politics, and to even knowing how important it is to find the big dipper up in the sky at night. After retirement, OrDean also loved to spend time at the casino. Yes, he loved to play the slots, but we are convinced that the buffet is what really brought him there.
He loved food and always wanted to try new things. Most importantly, he loved spending time driving with whoever brought him there, enjoying the scenery and sharing stories.
OrDean is survived by his children Kevin (Char) Jensen, Greg Jensen, Kirk (Brenda) Jensen, JoDean Bruess, and Gary (Tracy) Jensen. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and are as follows: Lisa Bostaph (Bill King), Nikki (Luke) Skifstad, Kayla (Jesse) Bowen, Alex (Sydney) Bruess, Morgan (Brett) Burmeister, Andrew Jensen, Devin Jensen (Cadie Pappenfus), Grace Jensen, Cooper Jensen and also his great grandchildren, Ben and Brayden Skifstad (Luke and Nikki Skifstad), Shavonne Bostaph (Lisa Bostaph), Pay-ton Kay Jensen (Devin Jen-sen and Cadie Pappenfus), and Jensen Bowen (Kayla and Jesse Bowen). He is also survived by his sister Darlene (Bill) Dann and nephews Todd Dann and Steve Dann and their families.
Being a grandfather and great grandfather was the highlight of OrDean’s life and you could always tell how happy he was when his loved ones were around. He will always remain with us in our hearts and also whenever we do or share something that grandpa taught us.A memorial service will be held September 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Green Larson Mortuary in International Falls, MN for OrDean Jensen and his wife Joan Jensen who passed on November 22, 2020.
We appreciate all the love and support and invite all those who would like to pay respects to OrDean, Joan, and their families to attend. Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
