Reed P Jensen

Reed P Jensen, (93) passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2015 in his room at the Heritage Home in Preston, Idaho, where he had been living since December.  He was born on January 11, 1922 in Mink Creek, Idaho to Daniel Jensen and Anita Mahalia Petersen.  Reed was the 3^rd of 7 children in his family.  Growing up on a farm, he quickly learned to work hard, and later took over the family farm in Mink Creek.  He married Gloria Sine Nelson on Nov. 6, 1944.  Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple in 1945.  They spent 66 years together prior to Gloria’s passing in 2010. 

Reed and Gloria raised their family of 7 children on the family farm in Mink Creek.  Reed worked various jobs, in addition to running the farm where he had grown up.  About 1976, after the family was raised, Reed and Gloria moved from Mink Creek to their home in Preston. 

Reed worked for Utah Power and Light, sold life insurance for Farm Bureau, worked for Franklin County measuring grain fields for about 12 years, worked at the sugar factory in Whitney for 12-15 years, and most recently worked for the US Forest Service.  He loved working for the forest service, where he was able to visit with people and enjoy the beauty of the hills.  As the ranger at Willow Flat Campground up Cub River, he was well-liked by the visitors and campers.  Reed retired from the Forest Service in 1994, after 25 years.

Reed was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He held many callings in the church, including Sunday School Superintendent, ward clerk, financial clerk, MIA Superintendent, Elder’s Quorum President, 70’s President, Sunday School teacher, and was a faithful home teacher.  Reed and Gloria were dance directors in their ward for over 15 years, helping many youth to enjoy dancing.  They loved going to the weekly dances that were held throughout the valley.  In his later years, he kept score for the youth basketball games several seasons.

He and his wife enjoyed many years as ordinance workers at the Logan LDS Temple, serving 2 days a week faithfully until December 2012.  Beginning in 1985, they served at the temple during the winter months when Reed was not working for the forest service.  After retirement, they served year around.   Reed was a faithful volunteer at the Senior Citizen Center in Preston and helped deliver the Meals on Wheels for many years. 

Reed loved to read and could often be found with a book in his hands.  He loved to watch sports on TV, play pinochle, and listen to music on his record player.  He and Gloria sang with the Preston Rotary Club choir and also in the ward choirs. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria Sine Nelson Jensen; two brothers, Wayne and Tony Jensen; sisters Marie Gambles, Anna Beth Campbell, and Joan Soelberg; his son Timothy; a granddaughter, and a great-granddaughter. He is survived by his sister Tamara Phelps, and his sister-in-law, Nola Jensen. He is also survived by 6 of his children and their spouses: Don Clair Jensen (Carol) of Mountain Home, Idaho; Susanne Annette Jensen Taylor Kreger (Aaron) of Meridian, ID; Barton Reed Jensen (Laraine) of West Valley City, UT; Kevin Jensen; Pamela Jensen Larson (Brian) of Ventura, CA; and Randy Neil Jensen (Sabina) of Boise, ID.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15^th, 2015 at 11 AM in the Preston North Stake Center, 310 North State Street, in Preston, with Bishop Steve Westerberg conducting.  A viewing will be held Sunday from 6 to 8 PM at Webb Funeral Home’s new location, 1005 S. 800 East in Preston, and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church prior to the services.  Interment will be in the Mink Creek Cemetery.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.