Sep 06, 2021

Donald (Don) Arthur Jensen

Posted Sep 06, 2021 6:49 PM

Dateline: Larned

Donald (Don) Arthur Jensen, 86, passed away at his home on Thursday, September 2, 2021 in Larned.

He was born February 25, 1935 in Kinsley, the son of Arthur W. and Catherine (Werner) Jensen.

A lifetime area resident, Don was a carpenter by trade, worked for the City of Larned as a city inspector and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a maintenance man. With respect to Larned Kansas, he was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf. Camping was a mainstay in his life especially while the children were young. He taught his kids to fish, hunt, and camp. Don was the biggest fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Tigers, however when the Royals played the Tigers he always cheered for the Royals. Don served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Germany. While on leave in Demark he met his wife of sixty-one years, Grethe Rostgaard Petersen. On March 22, 1960 they married in Winnipeg, Canada.

Don was a father and mentor to many. His nephew stated the wonderful sentiments Uncle Don was “a simple, unconditionally loving, kind, funny, supportive and much-loved human. Words do no justice as to what role he played in my life……I will forever miss him”. We all have so many wonderful memories that make us laugh, cry and genuinely happy. Every one of us can tell a Papa Don story, we know he is smiling down on us with that twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. As stated by Don’s daughter Heidi Donaho “Don was the best daddy a girl could have”. Erik and Damian Jensen remember the wonderful memories of hunting and fishing growing up. Don and Grethe’s daughter Elvi, from Denmark writes: “Et hjerte af guld er holdt op med at slå, to flittige hænder er gået i stå“(A heart of gold has stopped beating, two diligent hands have come to a standstill). Yes, we will all forever miss him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Kate and Arthur Jensen.

Don is survived by his wife Grethe Jensen, their children, Damian (Lori) Jensen, Wichita, Heidi Donaho, Larned, Erik Jensen, Larned, Elvi Engelsman, Denmark; sister, Helen Helm, Golden, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Logan Jensen, Tera Eling, Trista Donaho, Taylan Donaho, Brianne Jensen, Christian Jensen, Jonathan Chacon, and Enya Chacon. Eleven great-grandchildren: Lylee, Callie, Taydyn, Tavyn, Tony, Gloria Rose, Octavia, Khaleesi, Diesel, Zoey, and William.

Visitation will be held at Beckwith Mortuary from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 7, 2021 with a rosary at Beckwith Mortuary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Memorial mass will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Bernard Felix presiding. Inurnment will be in the Larned Cemetery with military graveside rites.

The family would like to thank everyone who took the time to pray for his soul and who shared your support to all the family and friends of Don. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.