Dennis Vernon Jensen

Dennis Jensen, 80, of Madelia, MN, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 20th 2021. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and clever wit. Dennis was born and raised in Rosendale Township, MN. After a whirlwind romance, he married Mary Lou Jensen on December 14th, 1963. They were blessed with 5 children: Brent, Jody, Tim, Caryn and Kayla, as well as many foster children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dennis served three years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1965. Throughout the years he was self-employed, worked on his family farm, owned a trucking company and operated a tire business. Dennis also enjoyed his years trucking for Van Den Bergh Foods. Following his "retirement" he proudly worked for his friend, Mark Cooling for many years. Some may also consider him a professional "junk"/treasure hunter. Dennis and Mary were wonderful parents who opened their home and their hearts to many daycare and foster children they cared for as their own. Dennis very much enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to spoil them with treats. Dennis was a proud member of the Madelia American Legion and enjoyed many hobbies, including traveling, farming, crossword puzzles, garage sales, auctions, collecting treasures and tractors, and visiting with countless friends and family. While we mourn this devastating loss, his loving memory and the time we had with him will be cherished in our hearts forever. Dennis Jensen, 80, of Madelia, MN, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 20th 2021. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and clever wit. Dennis was born and raised in Rosendale Township, MN. After a whirlwind romance, he married Mary Lou Jensen on December 14th, 1963. They were blessed with 5 children: Brent, Jody, Tim, Caryn and Kayla, as well as many foster children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dennis served three years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1965. Throughout the years he was self-employed, worked on his family farm, owned a trucking company and operated a tire business. Dennis also enjoyed his years trucking for Van Den Bergh Foods. Following his "retirement" he proudly worked for his friend, Mark Cooling for many years. Some may also consider him a professional junk treasure hunter. Dennis and Mary were wonderful parents who opened their home and their hearts to many daycare and foster children they cared for as their own. Dennis very much enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to spoil them with treats. Dennis was a proud member of the Madelia American Legion and enjoyed many hobbies, including traveling, farming, crossword puzzles, garage sales, auctions, collecting treasures and tractors, and visiting with countless friends and family. While we mourn this devastating loss, his loving memory and the time we had with him will be cherished in our hearts forever. Dennis is survived by his brother, Darryl (Joann) Jensen; sisters, Marilyn Knewtson, Ardith (Benny) Guerrero, Joyce Currie, Jan (Randy) Lokre; sisters-in-law, Marlene Conn, Susan (Frank) Marka; children, Brent Jensen, Jody Jensen, Tim (Mindy) Jensen, Caryn (Drew) Nelson, Kayla (James) Sprouse; grandchildren, Brendon (Keishia), Caleb, Carissa, Brooklynn, Nadine (James), Adam, Parker, Caitlyn (Nathan), Hailey (Jake), Colton, Kaylee, Benjamin; four great-grandchildren, Reese, Emmary, Jolie, Jensen and countless foster children we know as our family, including Jessica, Melissa, Elizabeth Blackstad and "Little" Mary. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lou Jensen; his parents, Vernon & Viola Jensen; father and mother-in-law, Roland & Agnes Oates; brother, Terry Jensen; sisters, Lois Archerd, Vernelle Hatch, Elaine Jensen; sister-in-law, Donna Hagen; brothers-in-law, Bruce Hatch, Floyd Knewtson, Vurley Conn, Richard Hagen; nephew, Jack "Ryan", as well as his nephew and Godson, Derek Archerd. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday, October 24, 2021 Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel 303 East Main St Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Service Information 10:00 am Monday, October 25, 2021 Rosendale Lutheran Cemetery Rosendale Twp Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Interment Information Rosendale Lutheran Cemetery Rosendale Twp Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Military Honors Military rites will be provided by the Madelia Area Veterans Honor Guard. Reception A luncheon will take place at the Madelia Golf Course clubhouse after the burial service.