Vernon Dale "Vern" Jensma

Vernon "Vern" Dale Jensma, age 82, passed away on November 7, 2023. He was born on April 15, 1941 in Denver, Colorado to Merlin and Dorothy Jensma. Vern is survived by his children, Todd (Audra) Jensma, Kari (Bob) Wisk, Teri (Corey) Walker, Shae (Jean) Jensma; his sister, Joyce (George) Hier; his brother, Jay Jensma; 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 1 on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Bob Jensma.
Vern began grade school at Bear Creek Elementary for grades 1-2. He then attended Asbury Grade School for grades 3-5. Then the family moved from Denver to County Line Road (now known as Highlands Ranch), and he attended Plum Creek Grade School, then Douglas County High School, graduating in 1958. After graduating he went to work for Schouten Brothers Construction Company.
Vern married Kay Delay on March 24, 1962. Soon after, Todd was born on November 2, 1962, then Kari on December 20, 1964, Teri on March 29, 1968, and finally Shae on August 27, 1971. He lived his entire life in Colorado; starting in Riverside Acres (now known as Chatfield State Park), then the flood of 1965 caused the family to relocate several times before they finally settled in Sedalia in a house that Vern built.
His main occupation was construction, and he was a superintendent for many years specializing in concrete work. He always said his favorite part of his job was to win the bid and build the project. He also built a house and pump station at the bottom of the Grand Canyon to supply water to the north rim. All 4 of his kids got to experience helicopter rides to the bottom which was his "drive" to work every day for 2 years.
In his early years he was a saddle bronc rider for Douglas County High School and lettered in high school basketball. Later he played men's fastpitch softball in Douglas County. At one point he coached both men's and women's fastpitch teams.
He loved fishing with family and friends. His favorite fishing trip was in May every year at Seminoe Reservoir with friends and family (no girls allowed).
He also loved family fishing trips to Williams Fork Reservoir where he also made good friends in the decades he went there.
Over his retirement he was a jack of all trades, restored tractors, and fished every chance he could. He was an avid hunter and never missed a season of elk hunting until he was 77. He enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, country dancing (was a great 2-stepper), auctioneering, and sitting at the "bored table" at O'Brien's Café trying to solve the world's problems with all his buddies.
Vern touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
We love you Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Dear Friend.
A visitation for Vern will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104. A cemetery committal service will occur Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Bear Canon Cemetery, 397 S. Perry Park Rd., Sedalia, CO. A reception immediately following cemetery committal will occur Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 12:30 PM at West Douglas Fire Protection, 4037 Platte Ave., Sedalia, CO.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Jensma family.