Donald Robert Jensen
Born September 17, 1929 – Entered into rest June 23, 2022
Memorial gifts may be made to
St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105
Donald, husband, grandfather, father, uncle, brother and friend was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 17, 1929. He entered into his eternal home on June 9, 2022 at Charm Residential Care Home in Garden Grove, California at the age of 92.
Drafted during the Korean Conflict, he spent 2 years with Occupational Troops in Germany. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Iowa where he married Darlene Kelly in November 1953. In 1963 they moved with their 2 children to California. They purchased a home in Wilmington where they lived until December 2021. Both he and Darlene were active in the American Legion, and Wayside United Methodist Church where he served as Trustee, and volunteering where needed.
He was an electrician by trade, retiring as the Building & Maintenance Operations foreman at the Customs building on Terminal Island. He was known for his ability of being able to fix about anything, including neighborhood children’s bicycles. His hobby was woodworking. Many people are the recipients of his many projects. He was known for his annual vegetable garden.
Always with his cap on, he will be remembered for his quiet, kind and gentle nature.
Donald leaves the love of his life of 68 years, Darlene.
Daughter: Donnetta (Ross) Jensen-Horney.
Grandchildren: Christopher (domestic partner Alejandra) Horney, Dustin (Christina) Horney, Tara (Brian) Bork, Ryan (Nicole) Jensen.
3 Great Grandchildren: Nicholas, Lauren and Natalie Bork.
Son David’s widow: Connie Jensen.
Sisters: Betty (Marvin) Fey, Barbara (John) Abbott.
Many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, Robert & Freda Jensen and son David Roger.
Donald Robert Jensen
We will miss you, Grandpa J. I know I’m not of your blood, but thank you for inspiring me to get outside and garden., and to appreciate the most simplest of things. Thank you for your quiet and gentle wisdom and for being so kind to me over the years. I’ll always remember the way you talked and those genuine little smirks you would get on your face when you cracked an almost silent joke or would not-so-secretly sneak into the stash of frozen eclairs. You are just the best!
See you later, Tough Guy♥️
Don was a sweetheart of a man. He always had a happy grin on his face and was eager to help with any problem his daughter and I had at home. She and I were roommates in our 20’s, so we often needed help around the house. Don helped us with anything that was broken, yard work, and anything else we asked him to do. He always did things the right way and with a smile. It brought him joy to help others. I still can’t get my extension cords neatly tied up like his.
He was always there for his children, their friends, and anyone else that needed help. The world would be in a much better place if everyone could be like you, Don. Thank you for all of your life lessons. You will always hold a special place in our hearts
Yes, it is true – my dad was Superman, but he didn’t even realize it. I’m such a lucky daughter to have had such a great dad!
I really enjoyed getting outside with you in the last few months in search of the perfect spot soaking up the sunshine, having a snack and your Dr. Pepper. I miss that already.
So save us a nice place for when we meet again.