Thomas Ronald Jensen returned to his heavenly home, December 12, 2010.
Born June 3, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harry P. Jensen and Charlotte Sternquist, he was the youngest
of three sons. He graduated from Hirsch High School before enrolling at the University of Illinois at
Navy Pier, where he played on the varsity basketball and intramural wrestling teams.
While in school, he was drafted into the Army and was selected for the Sixth Army Honor Guard at Presidio
in San Francisco. He was a star player for the post basketball team where he found a congenial group of
fellow soldiers who he soon learned were Mormons. In 1954 he was baptized by his friend, Utah Lawrence,
and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a decision that would markedly
alter the course of his life.
He finished his undergraduate work at Brigham Young University on the GI Bill before returning to Chicago
to resume working as a carpenter. This was tough work in a time when most materials were moved by hand
and every nail was individually turned and manually nailed. His work was plumb, straight and secure.
In 1959 he entered graduate school at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. While there he met
and married Geraldine Ford on January 31, 1961. For both Tom and Gerry, this relationship was a lifelong
source of learning, laughter, and courage. To this union were born six children: Jennifer Ruth (Gates),
Elliot Ford, Susan Elaine, Merrill Paul, Marni Ellen (Zollinger), and Melinda Gail (Rex). He has 12
grandchildren. His brother, Harry P. Jensen, survives him and lives in the Chicago area. A list of Tom’s
companions would not be complete without mentioning his beloved dogs, Bailey and Sammy.
Tom taught at Box Elder Junior High School in Utah, the University of Alberta, SUNY at Oswego and 21
years in the School of Technology at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
While he was athletic and strong in his youth, he suffered medical setbacks which resulted in chronic
pain during most of his adult life. Despite these obstacles, Tom worked faithfully in his
responsibilities at work, home, and church, and served in several church positions including High
Councilor, Elder’s Quorum President and Bishop.
He is especially remembered for his sense of humor and wit (and his ability to find a pun where none else
could). Even as his strengths and abilities waned, his family and nursing home caregivers at Regency
Gresham enjoyed his way with words.
Weeks before his passing, Tom, Gerry, and their six children gathered for a reunion. The occasion was a
joyful mix of visiting, singing, and reminiscing. At his request, there was no funeral.
His grandson, Ben, often prays that Grandpa will have a good day in heaven. As a family, we affirm that
he is happy and whole and with loved ones and friends.
Geraldine resides today in Troutdale, Oregon ([email protected]).
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