Joseph Jenson

Jenson, Joseph Duane 'Joe' of Blaine (72), passed away at home surrounded by family Tuesday, August 13, 2013. Joe was born December 25, 1940, in Fargo, North Dakota. He spent most of his childhood on a farm in Ulen, Minnesota, which he spoke of fondly. The prospect of mining brought his family to Babbitt his junior year of high school. Upon graduating from Ely High School in 1958, Joe enrolled at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in History. From there he began his teaching career in Fulda. Four years later, Joe accepted a teaching position in Litchfield, where he met Marlene, his wife of 46 years. They married in 1967 and relocated to Minneapolis. Joe then changed career paths and worked for Fleming Foods for 30 years, retiring in 2000. Joe cherished retirement. He was selected Aquatennial Senior Vice Commodore in 2007 and remained an active member of the organization, earning the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Alumni Association in 2012. Joe's interests were as diverse as his friendships. One of his true passions was music, singing in the church choir for more than 20 years. He also loved playing the button box and providing musical entertainment at senior residential centers with Marlene. Another favorite pastime of Joe's was art. He was an avid woodcarver, but enjoyed working with various art mediums as well. His artwork remains the heart of his family home in Blaine. Joe is survived by his wife, Marlene; four children: Colleen (Rodd) Tschida, Eric Jenson and fiancée, Maren Benson, Sara (Curtis) Mikkelson, Paul (Jennifer) Jenson; five grandchildren: Eli, Erin, Cooper, Ella, Sophie; three siblings: Marilyne (Ellert) Rathbone, Lois Jenson, Leland Jenson; and his father, Joseph A. Jenson. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 15, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Miller Funeral Home in Fridley: www.millerfuneralfridley.com and one hour prior to funeral service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church: 7700 Monroe St. NE, Spring Lake Park on Friday, August 16, at 11:00 AM.