Clair “Terry” Jenson, 81

Published 8:48 am Saturday, May 26, 2018

Clair “Terry” Jenson, 81, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died on Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society.

He was born on Oct. 10, 1936, in Bancroft Township, Minnesota, the son of Fremodt and Vera (Kendrick) Jenson.

Terry attended Albert Lea High School and then proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-1955.

Clair Jensen

After his honorable discharge, he returned home and began working at the Albert Lea Tribune and Austin Daily Herald, working in composing and as the pressroom foreman. After retiring, he enjoyed his work as a custodian for District 241. Clair also bartended at the Stables Supper club on evenings and weekends for more than 25 years.

He married Charlene H. Peterson on Sept. 9, 1956, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota, and to this union Shawn, Randy, Jonelle, Kristin and Mitchell were born.

Together they enjoyed raising their family and immersing themselves in their many activities, which included showing horses. They also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Beaver Lake and traveling, which included trips to Europe and Asia.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was past president of the congregation and sang in the choir for many years.

Terry is survived by his daughters, Shawn (Dean) VanHal of Ellendale, Minnesota, Jonelle Ignaszewski of Albert Lea and Kristin Saari of Rochester, Minnesota, son, Randy (Carole) Jenson of Rochester; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis and her husband, Dick Tavis, of Albert Lea, JoAnn and her husband, James Malepsy, of Albert Lea, Lorraine and her husband, William Malepsy, of Albert Lea, Elaine and her husband, Loren Porter, of Albert Lea, and Sharon and her husband, Geoffrey Hobin of Gladwin, Michigan; brother-in-law, Robert Bahl; sister-in-law, Doreen Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mitchell; his wife, Charlene; and his constant companion and pet friend, Barker.

Terry will be lovingly remembered for his ability to “fix things,” his supervisory skills and his always present keen sense of humor.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea with the Rev. Eileen Woyen officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Albert Lea with military honors accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations.