Jerald Jensen Obituary
He is survived by his wife and partner of 64 years, JoDel Jensen, eight children, 42 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and their spouses. He loved them all very much and they were the focus of his life. He is also survived by a great many friends and church brothers and sisters.
Dr. Jensen was born in Salt Lake City on December 14, 1937. He and his wife JoDel were married on August 12, 1961. He began his career as a dentist in the army and went on to practice in Fremont, California for the next 40 years. He and his family moved to Oak Harbor over 30 years ago where he retired and was active in the LDS church.
Throughout his life - in both Oak Harbor and in Fremont - he served in many church leadership positions, including Bishop, bishop counselor, stake high counsel, Boy Scouts, Sunday school teacher and many others. He and his wife enjoyed their spiritual mission in India for 2 years.
Dr. Jensen had a great love of the ocean and life and was a lifelong sailor, fisherman and outdoorsman. But the most important things to him were his family, church and helping others. He was a fixture in his grand children's lives - especially in the summers they spent together in Oak Harbor.
We invite you to celebrate his life with us on Saturday, September 20th, at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 201 Northeast Oleary Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Layne and Vicki Paul
September 18, 2025
We will always cherish the time we got to spend with Jerry, Jodi and their great family! They made Whidbey Island a better place by moving here! All our love goes out to you guys in this time of loss!
Layne and Vicki Paul
September 18, 2025
Eric & Melody Harris
September 18, 2025
Jerry and Jody were our family while stationed at NAS Whidbey and continued to be family after we transferred; we had many wonderful adventures with them from singing in the choir, sailing, and just having a wonderful time with them to celebrate the 4th of July and other special occasions. We enjoyed our visits, meals and playing games on our return trips to Oak Harbor through the years, Jerry and Jody will forever be family, we are blessed to have them in our lives.
We Love you all very much, Melody & Eric Harris and family
Sarah Price Bess
September 18, 2025
I was a missionary in the Oak Harbor ward about 7 years ago. My first two dinners were at the Jensen´s home. They welcomed me as an incredibly anxious and homesick missionary as if I was one of their own. They opened their home to me and my now husband 5 years ago when we came back to visit. My heart is broken to hear of Brother Jensen´s passing, but there is no doubt that he is so busy doing the work of the Lord on the other side of the veil. Praying for Sister Jensen and the rest of the family.
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Lana and Walt Kerns
September 18, 2025
Oh my goodness...we love Jerry! I met him and his family as a teenager when he had a youth swim activity at his home. Then he became our family dentist years later and we are so grateful for his tenderness. One of his many generous acts was when he insisted on loaning us his suburban when my husband was out of town and our car broke down leaving me with 5 children and no transportation. He had invited us to go with the Jensen family on their sail boat to see the beautiful Christmas lights in the bay. Then he kindly took our oldest son on a sailing trip up the pacific coast...a trip he´ll never forget and still has so many fond memories of to this day. His many kindnesses and sweet smile will always be remembered! We love and appreciate so much the Jerry Jensen family!
Sincerely and with much love,
Walt and Lana Kerns
Dustin
September 18, 2025
Years ago when I asked him if I could marry his daughter Janel he told me he would be tickled pink to have me join his family and asked me to call him Dad. He made me feel like part of the family from day 1 and he has always treated me like a beloved son. Countless times he has told me I am a good man and a wonderful father to his grandchildren. He loves all of his grandchildren dearly. He lit up whenever he saw them and loved spending time with them. He went out of his way to find fun things to do wih them from taking them to Cabella´s to roasting hot dogs and marshmallows around a fire pit or camping trips, fishing trips, or setting crab pots and boiling crab for dinner. He taught them how to hunt rabbit with a .22 and we had rabbit for dinner! We know he is in a good place reunited with loved ones but we will all dearly miss him until we meet again. We love ya Dad!
Dustin
Johnny mccourt
September 17, 2025
One of the first people I met on the Island was a man whose welcome I will never forget. On the Fourth of July, he invited me into his home with a warmth that felt like family. He handed me the honor of lighting my very first mortar firework, and later welcomed me aboard his boat to fish around the island.
Years later, he became my companion on one of the greatest adventures of my life-through the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Alaska. Together we shared waters, laughter, and moments that will stay with me forever.
I will always remember his warm spirit, his gentle smile, and his kind heart. Now on to his next journey and adventure thank you for your kindness. Sincerely Johnny McCourt
Lukas B. McCourt
September 16, 2025
Dear Jensen family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find peace, comfort, and strength in the love that surrounds you and in the memories you hold close to your heart. I´m sure there is a wonderful reunion of friendship happening on the other side of the veil.
With deepest sympathy,
The McCourt family
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1811 NE 16th Ave #A, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
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