Darryl Jensen

Darryl Charles Jensen, 84, of Worthington and formerly of Saint James, went home to meet his Savior on the evening of June 14, 2026.

Funeral service will take place on June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church in rural Saint James with visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will take place at East Sveadahl Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Darryl was born on March 3, 1942, to Vernon and Viola (Thulien) Jensen. He was the fourth of ten children. He was baptized at Rosendale Evangelical Lutheran Church, a congregation that had been chartered by his paternal grandfather.

As a young boy, Darryl enjoyed fishing with his father and siblings. He and his brother Dennis could often be found spending hours playing with toy tractors in a patch of dirt on the family farm. Darryl graduated from St. James High School in 1960.

Just three years later, on April 6, 1963, Darryl married his high school sweetheart, Joann Gruis. For a short time after their marriage, Darryl farmed with his father-in-law, Charles Gruis. Their union was blessed with two children, daughter Jill and son Jay.

Darryl spent many years working at the Scherr-Tumico electroplating plant in St. James. He later continued his career at Tony Downs Foods in Madelia, where he remained until his retirement.

Darryl loved camping and traveling in the family RV. One especially memorable trip took the entire family, along with his sister and brother-in-law, to California. Along the way, they enjoyed the mountains of Colorado, visited the ocean, and made lasting memories at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.

He always looked forward to the "Big Weekends" spent camping with a close group of family and friends. Over time, those weekends became even more special as his grandchildren joined in the traditions and fun.

Darryl became a grandfather in 1995 and was blessed with four cherished grandchildren. His pride in them was evident to everyone who knew him. He rarely missed their activities and greatly enjoyed spending time with them. Over the years, he was also blessed with four "bonus" grandchildren. In 2023, Darryl proudly added "great-grandfather" to his list of titles, a role that brought him immense joy.

Darryl and Joann loved hosting gatherings for family and friends. One highlight of every get-together was Darryl's famous Chex Mix. Guests always looked forward to it and hoped to take some home at the end of the celebration.

Darryl was preceded in death by his wife, Joann, just 16 short months ago. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; two brothers; three sisters; four brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jill (Todd) Essler and Jay (Melissa) Jensen; 4 grandchildren, Morgan (Jesus) Ordaz, Whitney Jensen, Jordan Jensen and Ireland Essler; 4 bonus grandchildren, Katie Essler, Molly Essler, Ty Essler and Abbi Essler; 2 great grandsons, Zion and Noah Ordaz; and one bonus great grandson, Graham Epperheimer; as well as many extended family members and friends.