Alan Jensen

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died November 15, 2023

Alan L. Jensen, age 76, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully from complications of Covid-19 on November 15, 2023 at Christian Park Healthcare Center.

 

 

Al was born on November 26, 1946 to William and Helen Jensen. He grew up in the Soo Hill area and attended Escanaba High School, graduating in 1965. After graduation, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for four years on the aircraft carrier U.S.A. America as an electrician’s mate. He served off the coast of Vietnam earning himself several medals including a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam, Campaign RIbbon, and a Navy Unit Commendation.

 

 

After being honorably discharged, he moved to Denver, CO and worked for a printing press company. Lonesome for the UP, he moved back home to Escanaba and while attending Bay de Noc Community College, he also worked at T.D. Vinette Boatbuilders. From building boats, he moved onto mining equipment with employment at Eimco K & K of Rock. After leaving Eimco, he became head welder at Bark River Culvert and Equipment for the next 18 years of his career. Al finished his working career at Meade-West Vaco in the woodyard department.

 

 

Al married the former Christine Thorbahn in 1977 and together they raised their two sons in Gladstone. Over the years, Al was very active and had many interests. He loved hunting, fishing, astronomy, gardening, welding, electric motor repair, trap shooting, and scouting. His greatest accomplishments in life, besides being a loving husband, father, and grandfather (papa) were earning his private pilot’s license, building a log cabin from pine trees planted on his grandfather’s property, and building his own saw-mill.

 

 

Al was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church of Gladstone, serving on the Board of Trustees, Mission Committee, as well as being grounds keeper for several years.

 

 

Al was also a former member of Delta Astronomy Club, “Trails End” trap shooters, Community Action Reading Buddy, as well as helping to unload commodity trailers for Senior Citizen food distribution.

 

 

Al is survived by his wife of 46 years, Christine, as well as his two sons, Peter Jensen and Thomas (Heather) Jensen. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cecelia, Porter and Cole Jensen. Other survivors include his brother, Mitchell (Susan) Jensen, sisters-in-law Pam Thorbahn and Wanda LaCosse, and several nieces and nephews.

 

 

Al was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son David, his in-laws, sister-in-law Karan Roberts, and brothers-in-law Gene Thorbahn, David LaCosse, and Joseph Roberts. A private memorial will be held at the convenience of the family.

17 Tributes for “Alan Jensen”

    Sending many hugs. Al was such a sweet man and touched my heart in my ways ❤️

    Al we will miss You greatly. You’ve been my Mr. fix it for so long. Thank You for everything. You were living your best at the nursing home. At least God released you from your misery and took You home. RIP. Love You, Pam

    Chris and family So sorry to hear about the loss of Alan he will be missed by all that knew him.Im glad I got to met him and some family members prays to all that you may get through this time of sorrow. Rest In.Peace Al you will be missed

    Chris and family, So sorry for you loss. He was such a good person. Sending Prayers and hugs. Maxine and

    So sorry to hear about Alan passing away. I remember Alan from our class of 1965 at Escanaba. He was a super nice guy. My condolences to his entire family. Rest in Peace Alan!

    Chris & Boys, We are so sorry to hear about Al. Terry has some nice memories of Al from his Bark River Culvert days. When Terry cleaned and polished a bunch of ball bearings for the boys then dressed up as Santa to deliver them. Also, Al gave our son a quick lesson on welding so he could get a welding job. I also liked Al’s kind, quiet demeanor. RIP Al

    Chris, Peter, and Thomas,
    So very sorry to hear about Al. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and
    your entire family.
    Sincerely,
    Dennis and Cheryl Stanek

    So sad for everyone who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to his family. Al was always a true friend, a great neighbor, an eager helping hand, and super nice guy. So talented in so many ways, and yet so very humble. You’ll be forever missed Al, and forever remembered as the fine man you were.

    Al will be sorely missed by all of his friends at the Trails End Trap Club. Such a great guy! RIP

    Alan is my most beloved childhood cousin. I will be always so grateful for his visits to my parent’s when they lived in Schaffer. They would have projects ready for him to repair. My folks and I have only wonderful memories of Alan and Chris. ❤️

    We were so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Alan’s parent’s were Lois’ Godparents and our Dad, Mel Carlson was in WWII with Alan’s dad. We visited them often and knew Alan at that time. Was so glad I, Jane, was able to see Alan at my mother, Olive Carlson’s funeral.

    In our thoughts and prayers during this time.
    Love,
    Lois Carlson Filipski and Jane Carlson Meyer

    Al’s family,
    Sorry you lost him.
    Alan (as all of us inGross new him by) were friends growing up.
    We had lots of fun playing in the river, building shacks etc.
    Alan was always a good friend.
    Roger pepin

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