Thomas Alvin Jensen

Tom Jensen died May 27, 2025 at Eventide, Moorhead, under the care of Hospice of Red River Valley. He was born to Dr. Edward and Florence Jensen on June 3, 1937, the fourth of five children and youngest son.

Tom grew up in Stanley, North Dakota, playing high school basketball, baseball, and trumpet. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army and after discharge attended Concordia College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in social work. He was a proud Cobber who was happy to have convinced one of his grandsons to attend Concordia.

While in college, he met his future wife, Judith (Rice) Jensen. They married on August 20, 1960.

Tom received his Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington in Seattle and after a few years of work, returned there for a post-graduate fellowship in community mental health. He was proud to have worked 43 years in public social services, including lengthy tenures as the director of Cass County Social Services and Director of Adult Services in Ottertail County. Tom held his coworkers in high esteem and was known for treating them and clients with compassion and respect. After leaving Cass County, Tom and Judy moved to a home on Stalker Lake, MN for more than 20 years, where summers were filled with swimming, beach fires, family dinners, water fights, 4th of July fireworks, laughter, and more. He was a gentleman and a gentle man who forged many close relationships and leaves wonderful memories for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and relatives.

Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy; and children, Sarah Dove (Maddock, ND), Thomas M Jensen (Karen--Manasquan, NJ), Christian (Eileen--Tacoma, WA), and Daniel (Kelly--Tacoma, WA).

He leaves his beloved grandchildren, Jonathan Dove (Megan), Matthew Dove (Rachael), Anna Dove(Kevin), Thomas Jensen, Christopher Jensen, Joshua Jensen, Noah Jensen, and Kate Jensen; and great-grandchildren, Jonathan Dove and Fallyn Dove.

His parents and brothers Clayton, Jerome, and Bill preceded him in death, and he is survived by his sister, Marlene Hoirup (Don--Winston Salem, NC); and dear sister-in-law, Pat (Jerome--Mandan, ND).

There will be a private inurnment at the Fargo National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead with visitation at 1:30. All are welcome.

If you wish to make a memorial, please consider a donation to Hospice of Red River Valley, Trinity Lutheran Church, or A Place to Belong (https://ap2b.org/), a social club in Fergus Falls for adults with mental illness that Tom was instrumental in founding.