Robert L. Jensen

Dr. Robert "Bob" Lynn Jensen, EdD, died of stroke related complications on February 26th, 2024, in Sioux City, Iowa. Bob was born March 23rd, 1941, in Britton, South Dakota, to James Jensen and Vera (Goff) Jensen. He was confirmed at the Faith Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended Murray High School in St. Paul, and then served in the US Military, Navy branch, stationed in California, Japan, and the Philippines. He then went on to receive his Bachelor's in Education from the University of North Dakota - Ellendale Branch, where he met his future wife, Ruth Mouw.

Bob was an incredible athlete and competitor throughout his life. The list of sports and hobbies he enjoyed included hockey, Golden Gloves boxing, wrestling, fast-pitch softball, fishing, woodworking, metal detecting, motorcycling and one of his all time favorites, table tennis. He amassed a collection of trophies and medals from all sports that would've filled a room. Speaking of rooms, he was also incredibly handy and could have-and did-build entire rooms from studs to finish, all by himself. The man could fix anything from broken cars to broken necklaces, and always had great advice for broken hearts.

Bob was a special needs teacher in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa, and at the tender age of 56, Bob graduated from the University of South Dakota with his Doctorate of Education. He refused to believe it was too late for any of us to achieve our goals, and he never stopped learning or being curious about life, history, and how things worked.

Bob was a lifelong Minnesota enthusiast, and was a firm believer that there are no nicer people than Midwesterners. He loved the beauty, peace, and tranquility of Northern Minnesota, and frequently took his family on road trips and camping trips in the 80's, dog and all, crammed into a Volkswagen Beetle, always stopping on the way back for the state's finest treasure - White Castle Burgers. Bob's tales of his youth in St. Paul were legendary.

Despite his inherent toughness, Bob held a soft spot in his heart for any animal, special needs person, or disadvantaged youth. He always rooted for the underdog, and his motto in life was "Never quit, you've got to keep on trucking". Further, he believed in giving back to the community, and donated well over 50 gallons of O negative blood in his lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Humane Society or to The Special Olympics, or book a blood donation.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Mouw) Jensen, daughters Jami and Stacy (Al Grainer) Jensen, grandchildren Emma and Ethan Frazier, and Jorn Jensen, as well as two living siblings, Gary Jensen and Judith Ragalie. He is preceded in death by his parents, two siblings: James Jensen Jr. and Sandra Jensen-Berglund, and by the many dogs and cats that he spoiled rotten, most notably Minnie, his beloved Pomeranian, whom he is now taking for motorcycle rides in the sky.