Max JENSEN Obituary

October 22, 1939 - March 25, 2025

Spokane - Max S. Jensen, lovingly known as "Coach," passed away peacefully March 25th at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of love, encouragement, and unwavering support for all who knew him. He lived a life dedicated to lifting others up. Born in Moscow, Idaho, in 1939 to Ruby M. and Max C. Jensen, Max was the eldest of four children and loved his siblings: Linda, Steve, and Jerry.

A proud graduate of Washington State University in 1963, he then attended the University of Idaho where he earned his master's degree. His passion for education and mentorship shaped the lives of many, as he spent his years inspiring those around him with his kindness, wisdom, and boundless energy. He always had a smile on his face and quick with a compliment.

Max had a deep love for God and the simple joys in life - fishing on a quiet morning, cheering on WSU and Gonzaga teams, and most importantly, spending time with his family. His greatest gift was his ability to love unconditionally, encourage endlessly, and bring out the best in everyone he met.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna; and their beautiful children: Kim, Carol, Max, and Tami. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit of love and motivation will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of Max's life will be held at a later date. In honor of his memory, let us continue his legacy of lifting others up, just as he did every day.

Coach, You will forever live on in those lives you've touched.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Apr. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Max JENSEN

9 Entries

Dave Klyzek

April 19, 2025

I used to walk over to the counseling office and sign in to see Max. Of course everyone there wanted to see only Max because he was the best. I signed in with some famous track persons name, Steve Prefontaine or Jim Ryun and Max would come out, read the sign in sheet, laugh and say Steve? It gave him a 5 min break in a hectic schedule. I fished with Max and his brother Steve many many times on Lake Pend Oreille, always a great time. Many dinners at Max and Deanna's beautiful floathouse in Bayview. I cut firewood once in the early 80s or late 70s with Max and his dad, wow, what fun that was. We stopped in Plummer on the way home at the Sawmill Bar and before I knew it I had 9 shots of Wild Turkey, the next time we were loading up on a bus for a track meet, Max got on and looked at me and went gobble gobble! Everyone loved Max because he gave each and every person in front of him his full attention, no matter if you were a VIP or a regular everyday human being. The absolute finest coach and couselor you would ever have met. I never saw Max have a bad word for anyone.

Karol Hood Startzel

Planted Trees

Karol Startzel

April 19, 2025

Max went to Pullman high school with both of my parents but I did not get to know Max myself until I attached SCC. He was my counselor and track coach 1980 - 82. Max was always so positive and encouraging. When someone believes in you, you start to believe in yourself. That is the gift Max gave to me! I saw him in the dentist office not long ago and he told the staff what a good hurdler i was. Always a kind word and compliment all these years later. He was a bright shining handsome star and the world was a better place with him in it. I loved him very much. Thank you Coach
Karol Hood Startzel

Jack W McGrath

April 14, 2025

I didn´t know Max very well, but I was a friend and fellow teacher with his brother Jerry in Pullman. I did a little farm work for his Dad, Max many years ago outside of Palouse. The few times I met Max I was always impressed with his humor and love for his family. He will be sorely missed by all.
Jack McGrath

John o Klaus

April 8, 2025

John o Klaus

April 8, 2025

Oh no! He was my old SCC assistant track coach in 1974 season. He was a very neat gentleman Sympathy for your loss

Steve & Dale Porter

April 6, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Julianna McPhee

April 6, 2025

Max was one of the wonderful humans we get to know during our life span. A HS classmate whom I'm grateful to have known.

Carol A. Jensen

April 4, 2025

Today, I am missing a man who meant the world to me...my father. Words feel so small in the shadow of his presence, but I want to honor the life he lived and the love he gave.

He wasn´t just my dad; he was my guide, my protector, and my quiet strength through every chapter of my life. His wisdom was steady, his laughter warm, and his heart always open. Whether with his words or his actions, he taught me what it means to live with integrity, to love without condition, and to keep going, even when life gets hard.

There are a thousand little things I miss...the sound of his voice, the way he saw the good in people, the way he always made space for others, even when he had so little to spare. I carry him with me now, in every decision, in every moment of courage, in every act of kindness. His legacy is in the way I try to live, and the love I hope to pass on.

Dad, thank you for everything. You are deeply loved, and you are missed every single day. I know you knew how much you meant to me. I´ll keep making you proud!

With all my heart, I LOVE YOU - Carol (Blondie) <3

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results