Alma Dean Jensen

Alma Dean Jensen was an incredible, one-of-a-kind person. He was born in Leota, Utah and attended school in Leota and Elsinore. Alma completed the eighth grade and moved directly into the work force. By doing so at such an early age, his foundational respect for hard work began. He enlisted in the Army and served for 18 months and was discharged as a sergeant. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Luana Young. They married on January 16, 1948. They had four children, three daughters and a son. 

Alma worked hard at the oil refinery to provide for his family, yet he found time to attend ball games, go on family trips, participate in church activities, and more. Luana became terminally ill with ovarian cancer so Alma had to take on the role of raising kids, taking care of her, and working full time. When Luana passed away on March 29, 1969, his heart was broken but he knew he needed to persevere for his children. 

Once his children became adults, he retired from Amoco Oil Refinery in 1986. He loved to garden and grew the most amazing tomatoes and cucumbers. His idea of a great meal included fresh home-grown vegetables from the garden. He made the absolute best hash browns and was skilled at tossing them in the air to turn them to the delight of his children and grandchildren. His yard was immaculate, and his beautiful garden was bountiful with produce he willingly shared with everyone.

Alma was blessed by the "Jensen ESP." He had an amazing ability to sense when others needed him. He listened with his heart and acted on the promptings he felt.  Alma never failed to help neighbors and ward members.  He never asked to be paid and willingly used his time and talents to assist others in household repairs, roofing jobs, snow removal, yard work, etc. He worked tirelessly helping his kids with every home improvement project they needed for their own homes. 

Alma contributed to all household chores. He was not above "women's work" as he called it. Many a time he was found in the kitchen cooking, canning, baking, and cleaning.  In fact, he once said that his favorite color was "clean." He taught his children the value of doing a job and doing it well. Whenever he started something, he finished it and left the area better than he had found it. Alma was a master craftsman. His beautiful wood framed mirrors have graced many a household. They are a treasure to his children, grandchildren, and many friends and neighbors. His work was meticulous. He helped build his own home. It was a labor of love, and he wanted his children to cherish it like he did.

Alma was an amazing home teacher and was always prepared when he visited member's houses with an inspirational message and encouragement.  He was a friend to all and did not hesitate to help anyone in need. He loved listening to "Music and the Spoken Word" every Sunday morning and all the music from the Tabernacle Choir.  He also had a wonderful sense of humor and often used endearing, original phrases we will never forget. 

He loved hot, hot baths and would soak until the water cooled. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, and fishing. He especially loved his annual Jensen Boys salmon fishing trip to Alaska with Kevin and his grandsons, Kolten and Bo. He looked forward to going every August for the past 35 years. This past August, Braedon (great-grandson) and Kloie (great-granddaughter) fished for salmon alongside him. He loved talking and visiting with all his grandchildren, sharing his many adventures. He had an extraordinary memory to the end. His stories will be forever treasured.

Yes, Alma Dean Jensen was truly a "one-of-a-kind" person. There was and never will be anyone like him. He has blessed the lives of many by his example of selflessness, perseverance, and faith. The love, devotion, and commitment towards raising his children alone was reciprocated in his declining years. His four children loved and cared for him until his last breath. He loved the many trips to Idaho Falls to be with Jill and Kaye. Rose came from California and stayed with him at his house to care for him. Kevin was a constant support emotionally and physically. Grandchildren and great grandchildren visited often and filled the home with love. Alma often said with tears in his eyes, “I have great kids...I am blessed.” He passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023, surrounded by his family at Fairfield Village in Layton. What a joyous reunion for him and his eternal companion, Luana.

Alma was preceded in death by his wife, Luana Young Jensen, wife Jean Salisbury (later divorced), brothers Ray and Lynn, sisters Mildred Thomas and Martha Henrie. The family would like to thank all those family and friends who extended words of support and acts of kindness during his time of need. Special appreciation to Dr. Scott Southworth for his love and care, the staff at Lakeview Hospital and Fairfield Village for their care and kindness, and Annie Hancock (granddaughter) for her constant medical guidance. 
Alma is survived by his children, Rose (Darcy) Wingo, Twain Harte, California; Jill Jensen, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Kevin (Suzi) Jensen, Layton, Utah; Kaye (Bob) Mills, Idaho Falls, Idaho; stepchildren Ron (Deb) Salisbury, Littleton, Colorado; Mike (Jan) Salisbury, Centerville, Utah; brother, Elden Jensen, Moses Lake, Washington; 32 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at the Centerville Chapel at 160 South 300 East in Centerville, Utah, where a family gathering will be held Monday morning from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services.
Interment - Centerville Cemetery.