Gale Jensen

Gale V. Jensen of Gothenburg, NE passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 at the age of 96. Gale was born on June 2, 1929 in Cozad, NE, to Chris C. and Margaret Ann (Kandler) Jensen. He was the third of five children. Gale attended Cozad Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1947.
On October 4, 1950 Gale enlisted with the United States Air Force. After completing basic training he then attended Air Police training at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Gale also spent time at Fort Dix, Westover Air Base, and Camp Kilmer before being deployed to Tripoli, Libya in Africa for eighteen months during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on October 3, 1954 at Offutt Air Force Base. Gale was united in marriage to Norma Jean Wilbourn on June 11, 1954, in Gothenburg and to this union two children were born: Theresa Jean and Allen Royce. Gale and Jean lived in Salem, Oregon for a short time before moving back to Gothenburg where they resided the remainder of their lives. The couple was married for 53 years.
In 1956 Gale began his career with Platte Valley Public Power and Irrigation District, a predecessor to Nebraska Public Power District, when he took a job as an irrigation technician. While at NPPD Gale held several managerial positions. In 1980 he developed and implemented an irrigation scheduling system for NPPD which is still being used today. Gale worked for NPPD for 33 years, retiring in June 1989.
Gale was never content to just sit around and do nothing. In the 60's Gale put his talents in carpentry, masonry and woodworking to good use and built a cabin at Jeffrey Lake. The family cabin was a favorite summer destination for Gale and Jean for many years as well as his children and grandchildren. Many fond memories of fishing, water skiing and family gatherings were made at the lake.
Gale and Jean enjoyed numerous vacations traveling throughout the United States and Mexico. Together they visited 46 of the 50 states. A couple of their favorite activities were the sights and music of Branson, MO and collecting sea shells on Marco Island in Florida. In 1970 Gale decided to pursue his long-desired dream of owning land and raising livestock. He purchased a tract of land west of Gothenburg and built a farrow to finish hog operation. Two years later he added cattle to his operation. He continued to improve and expand this endeavor until 3 years ago when at age 93 years he decided to slow down and move to Stonehearth Estates.
Gale was always eager to learn and try new things. His interest in horticulture prompted him to set aside an acre of land to devote to a vegetable garden. He would usually plant at least 100 tomato plants and 200 pounds of seed potatoes along with onions, green beans and a host of other vegetables. For many years he was a vendor at the Gothenburg Farmer's Market selling his fresh vegetables. Gale was preceded in death by his wife Jean in 2007, his parents, Chris and Margaret Jensen, two brothers Gene (Mary) Jensen and Russel (Velma) Jensen, sister Joyce Jensen and a nephew, Lynn Jensen.
Survivors include his daughter Theresa (Rodney) Brooks and son Allen Jensen all of Gothenburg. Grandchildren Julie (Radley) Breuer, Briana (Florian) Mahrt, Archer (Amanda) Jensen, Grant (Kaylee) Jensen, Savannah Jensen (fiancé Trevor David) and Briar Jensen. Great grandchildren Reagan, Hannah and Claire Breuer, Emilia and Eliza Mahrt, and Wesley Jensen. Brother, Lyle Jensen, sister in law Janet (Jerry) Payne, and several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department or to Central Plains Home Health and Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, 4:00-7:00 PM at Blasé-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th Street, Gothenburg, NE with the family present 4:00-6:00 PM
Graveside services will be held 10:30 AM, August 18, 2025, at the Gothenburg Cemetery. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gale Jensen, please visit our Tree Store.