Jackie (Jack) Jensen, age 83, passed away on May 1, 2025, after a brave fight against cancer.
Jack was born, May 24, 1941, in Riverton, Wyoming. He was the youngest of three sons born to Kristian and Elvina Jensen, both immigrants from Denmark.
Jack graduated from high school in Riverton, Wyoming, in 1959. During his high school years, he worked at JC Penney and was then selected for their management trainee program. Early in his career, he was placed in Rapid City, SD, where he joined the Army Reserve.
After basic training in 1964, he was transferred to the JC Penney store in Bismarck, ND. He met his wife, Diana, and married on June 15, 1968. Jack transferred to Casper, WY, shortly thereafter, where they welcomed their first two sons, Wade and Brian.
In 1972, Jack received his own store to manage in Hettinger, ND, where Michael, Kenneth (Ken), and Jacquelynn (Jackie) were born. During their years spent in Hettinger, Jack launched a Toastmaster’s group and actively participated in the Chamber of Commerce. Known for his sense of humor and personable nature, many friendships blossomed and then flourished from this community.
Thanks to this assignment, Jack discovered Shadehill Lake and developed a love for that place. By providence, he acquired a summer “cabin” lot on the northern side of the lake. This site transformed into a second home in the summer and hosted a multitude of gatherings with family and friends filled with delightful experiences over the decades. The family will continue this legacy.
In 1983, Jack transferred to Belle Fourche, SD. Their youngest son, Mark, arrived in 1984. Jack loved the Black Hills and the Belle Fourche community. He launched another Toastmaster’s Group, participated in the Chamber of Commerce, and was active in St. Paul’s Catholic Church. After the closure of his JC Penney store, he took an opportunity with Nina Finkbeiner to keep a clothing store and stay in the area. After the store closed, Jack finished out his working career with American Colloid Company.
Jack’s infectious smile and great sense of humor made him a very likeable guy, always joking and making even a total stranger feel welcomed and special. The grandkids especially enjoyed teasing him about who was his “favorite.” He was truly a “Jack of all trades.” He would often take scrap wood and turn it into some useful creation such as a porch at Shadehill, making bird houses and book ends and would also combine his love of rocks and rock collection into his neat designs. He also enjoyed tinkering in the garage. Jack loved all things dealing with water and snow, from fishing to skiing, teaching all the kids and grandkids water skiing.
He beamed when he could share his hobbies with his family and friends. He was a kind and considerate person always thinking of ways to put a smile on someone’s face. His endless supply of lemon drops he offered the grandkids, was just one of many ways he brought a smile to their faces. There is not enough space to talk about all the precious memories and his many positive qualities. He is loved and will be greatly missed by many.
Jack is survived by his wife, Diana, his six children, Wade (Heather), Brian (Sara), Michael (Gail), Kenneth “Ken”, Jacquelynn (Benjamin) Britton, Mark (Kaylee), and seventeen grandchildren: Emily, Tiffany, and Noah Jensen, Kristian, Rakelle, and Jasper Jensen, Isabel “Bella,” Ethan, and, Anna “Annie” Jensen, Katelyn and Parker Lee, Adrhianna, Alayah, Annika, and Adelynn Britton, Elowen, and Jack Jensen and his niece, Vicki Villanova.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kristian and Elvina Jensen, and his two brothers, Gerald Jensen, and Marion Jensen.
The Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Thursday, May 8th at 10:30am. There will be a visitation at the church on Wednesday, May 7th from 6:00 to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm.
The funeral will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Jack’s obituary page at klinefuneralchapel.com
