John Jensen

John Vincent Jensen was born on February 21, 1925, in rural Slayton, to Ole and Ida (Snare) Jensen. John lived with his family in rural Slayton until 1935 when the family moved to Ruthton. John completed grade school at Country School District 68, then attended Ruthton High School. In July, 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the central and south pacific island invasion and securing operations during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to southwest Minnesota where he worked with heavy equipment most of his life. John was doing what he liked best; operating machines on road and city construction work. John was married to Betty Ness on October 8, 1947. John also enjoyed tinkering on equipment in his garage and restoring old equipment and tractors. He died on Friday, January 21, 2011, at the Hendricks Nursing Home in Hendricks. He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Minneota, currently of Hendricks, children Arlyss (and Lenny) Hovland of Marshall, John R. Jensen of Marshall, Gary (and Renee) Jensen of Deltona, FL, Bonnie Ann (and Myron) Walters of Faribault, MN, Crystal (and Jay) Gislason, of Gary, SD, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, brother Elwood Jensen of Pipestone, sisters Arleen Mitchell of Jasper and Audrey Jensen of Champlain, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Brian, brother Duane, sisters Avis, Julaine and infant sister Nadine.