Dennis Joseph Jensen was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on August 16, 1940, to Sermena and Vernon Jensen. His early years were spent on a farm south of Lyman in central South Dakota.  He attended country school in Lyman County and enjoyed the rural life and wide-open spaces.  As a young man, Denny went to work for local farmers in the Draper area.  It was during this time that he met his forever sweetheart, Janice Miller.  They were married on June 24, 1961, and welcomed five children throughout the next 13 years.  The Jensen family lived in Ft. Pierre and later the Draper area before making Sturgis their permanent home in 1965.  Denny lived an example of commitment and dedication, packing bologna sandwiches every weekday to head to work at the Homestake Mine in Lead for 31 years.  Throughout his life, he managed to find time to become an active part of the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, Lions Club, United Methodist Church, Key City Ramblers, and the Good Sam Camping Club.  The entire family has memories of going camping in the Black Hills every summer.

Denny was a man that could be considered short on words, but long on love.  His lap always had room for a grandchild or a four-legged friend, most recently his beloved Schnauzer, Scooter.  He babysat for several of his grandkids after he retired, which was a joy to both parties.  At times they even got to join him for the men’s coffee club at McDonalds. His memory remained sharp and he thoroughly enjoyed recalling stories of “the good old days.”  Over the last decade, Denny battled various health issues that limited his ability to live life to the extent he wished.  He was never one to complain, and even with his poor eyesight, he could still manage to defeat his kids and grandkids in his favorite card game, Skipbo.  He loved the simple things in life:  John Wayne, The Lone Ranger, a good western, the Denver Broncos, and Elvis Presley, but family and faith held the number one place in his heart.

Dennis is survived by his caring wife of 61 years, Janice; children, Steve (Jetta) Jensen, Terry (Carolyn) Jensen, Karen Jensen, Scott Jensen, Misty (James) Little; brother, Larry Jensen; twin sister, Bev Kuntz, and sister, Pat Andrews.  He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

A memorial has been established to The First United Methodist Church, Sturgis, South Dakota.

Pops was easy to love and hard to forget.  We are grateful for his life and his eternal home in heaven.  Until we meet again

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