Harold Eugene Jensen, 84

Published 10:40 am Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Harold Eugene Jensen of Austin, Minn., formerly of McIntire, Iowa, passed away on April 4, 2014. He was born to Charles and Nora Jensen on March 26, 1930, in Fountain, Colo. Harold grew up in rural Nebraska.

Jensen

Upon graduation from high school in Neligh, Neb., Harold attended Primary Mechanics School at the Technical Training Department of U.S. Naval Schools, Construction Battalion Center at the U.S. Naval Station in Port Hueneme, Calif. In December of 1949 Harold joined the U.S. Navy serving in Guam during the Korean Conflict. He proudly served his country until September of 1952.

Upon returning from his tour of duty, Harold married Arlene Elizabeth Ollendick on Nov. 26, 1952, in Cresco, Iowa. While serving in the Navy, he had acquired unique talents as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic, later using these skills to build a life-long career that spanned more than 50 years.

Harold enjoyed fishing, camping and vacationing with his family. He was well known for his passion for gardening and was called upon many times to share his problem solving experience and may have bragged a time or two about his garden’s plentiful harvest. He took immense pride in sharing everything he lovingly grew. Harold and Arlene enjoyed many years on their acreage north of McIntire, which they referred to as “Bailey.” It was here that Harold was able to let his gardening skills flourish.

Harold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Arlene of Austin; five children, Harry (Deb) Jensen of Riceville, Iowa; Bob (Jan) Jensen of Decorah, Iowa; Patty (Chris) Jones of Mountain Home, Idaho; Jolene (Cliff) Knowles, of Urbandale, Iowa; Barb (Darrell) Kraft, of Austin; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Sakha of Omaha, Neb. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a beloved daughter, Donna Lewis Jensen; two brothers, Bud and Dwaine; and three sisters, Ruth, Opal, and Fern.

A private memorial service for Harold will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 11 a.m. May 16, in Des Moines, Iowa. There will be a celebration of his life for family and friends at the Riceville Community Building 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Memorials can be directed to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars or the Wounded Warriors Project.

Thank you to all who touched Harold’s life. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at the Cedars of Austin, the staff at ComforCare, and the Hospice Care staff for their loving commitment to the care and comfort of our loved one.