Russell Jensen

Russell Jensen was born to Elcanna Chrest Jensen and Ella Butler Austin in a log cabin at Cleveland, Bannock Co., Idaho on May 10, 1921. He grew up on a farm in the Rupert-Declo, Idaho area and went to school in Acequa, Rupert, and Declo, Idaho, graduating from Declo High School with the Class of 1939. His hobbies during his growing-up years were hunting and fishing, catching many a fish with a willow pole, 20 feet of line, a few hooks, and a few worms. In the fall, pheasants and ducks were hunted with a .410 shotgun. In the spring and summer, squirrels and birds were the targets for Russell’s amazing skill with a slingshot, and his slingshot making skills were legendary. He served in the U.S. Army from December 1943 to April 1946 in the Pacific Area of Operations, liberating the Philippine Islands and Okinawa from the Japanese. When he was discharged, Russell had attained the rank of Sergeant, had earned the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. He was always very patriotic and had a great sense of public responsibility. After his discharge, Russell started to work for the Amalgamated Sugar Co. in Burley and then in Twin Falls, Idaho, culminating a career that spanned 41 years and 4 months. During his tenure at TASCO, Russell was a charter member of TASCO #2 Federal Credit Union (now the Snake River Federal Credit Union) and served in various positions. Besides his activity in the credit union, Russell also served in his labor union as President, Financial Secretary, and on a number of Inter-Factory Committees and Negotiating teams. It was during his early career with TASCO that he met his soulmate, Geraldine Drake. After a short courtship, they were married in the Church of Jesus Christ Salt Lake Temple on February 19, 1947. This union produced 4 children: Denece (J) Brighton, Dane (Wanda) Jensen, Arlen (Katie) Jensen, and Necia (Roger) Hartgrave. Summertime was time to go camping and fishing with big sister, Veda (John) Morgan, and little brother, Dewaine (Betty) Jensen and their families. Trips to Easley Hot Springs, Copper Basin, Yankee Fork, Sunbeam Dam, and Custer, Idaho always involved family fishing, camping, hiking, and campfire activities. He also enjoyed working in his garden and around the yard. Russell had a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, serving in many callings: Ward Clerk, Sunday School President, Scout Master, M. Men Leader, Elders Quorum President, Executive Secretary, 1st and 2nd Counselors to 3 different Bishops, Assist. Stake Clerk, Stake Missionary, High Priests Group Leader, Service Missionary(with Geraldine) at the L.D.S. Church Employment Service(15 months), worked in the extraction program for 18 years, and also served as Ward P.F.R. man. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Geraldine; 3 brothers: Reo, Leo, and Dewaine; 1 sister: Veda Morgan; a son, Arlen, and a daughter,Necia Hartgrave. He is survived by his children: Denece (J) Brighton of Idaho Falls, ID and Dane (Wanda) Jensen of Lewiston, UT and many Grand and Great-Grand Children. Russell was a great man, patriot, friend to everyone, devoted to his sweetheart, Geraldine, and willing to serve wherever he was needed. Viewings to be held Friday, April 15 from 6-8 p.m. at ROSENAU Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID and from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday April 16 at the Kimberly 2nd and 5th Ward Chapel, 222 Birch St. S., Kimberly, ID.Funeral Services will be held April 16 at the Kimberly 2nd and 5th Ward Chapel, 222 Birch St. S., Kimberly, ID at 12:00 noon. Dedication of the grave at Sunset Memorial Park, 2296 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID, at 2:15 p.m. You may share memories and condolences on Russell’s memorial webpage at www.rosenaufuneral home.com.