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Mike Jensen Obituary
Jensen appeared regularly on "NBC Nightly News" and the "Today Show," and was known for making complex financial news simple, explaining it all to the masses.
That was him in life, too. Simplifying, not complicating. In his retirement, Jensen enjoyed taking his boat out to the Sound from the Mystic River, happiest when family was along for the ride. He volunteered tutoring English as a second language in New London.
Most of all, Mike enjoyed spending time with his wife of 61 years, Jane. The couple, who had grown up in Massachusetts, moved to New York in 1964 when Jensen, then an editor at the Boston Herald, took a job as editor of a trade paper, American Metal Market. In 1969, Jensen went to the New York Times, working as an investigative reporter and briefly the deputy business editor.
Jensen was a 1956 Harvard graduate with a master's degree from Boston University, and was a three-year naval officer.
He moved to NBC in 1978 during a newspaper strike, intending to stay temporarily. But he took to it right away. TV Digest once put a Network News Dream Team on its cover and included Jensen as the financial correspondent. He interviewed Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger and Lech Walesa, was at the Berlin Wall when it fell, reported from China as American companies began moving operations there for cheap labor.
Jensen, a Chicago native, is survived by his wife, his daughter Heidi (Chuck) and son Mike (Lisa) and grandchildren Audrey (Jack), Kate (Patrick), Elissa (Alec), Zack, and Sarah.
His last public speaking appearances were officiating at the weddings of his two oldest grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a college scholarship fund at Gloucester (Mass.) High School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mike Jensen
John Carberg
September 9, 2022
Sorry to hear.I was at Boston University with him and also at the Boston Herald. Mike was a real go getter. I was not at all surprised when he became a player on the national stage. My wife, Dara and I also celebrated our 61st wedding anniversary this year. We remember visiting Mike and Jane at their place on Cape Ann long ago.
Eileen Vieira
March 14, 2022
sorry for your lose. He is resting from this world problems. He lived a good life and will be raised -up in due time.
Jim Altschul
January 30, 2022
Mike was a colleague of my mother (Marylin Bender) at The New York Times. I enjoyed meeting him on a couple of occasions, and I remember the very high regard in which my mother held Mike. Please accept my condolences.
Larry Barr
January 20, 2022
To the Jensen Clan, my deepest sympathies. I had the pleasure of working with and knowing Mike for several years at NBC News. He was the definition of Class... smart, funny,generous, and kind. His attitude and approach made you want to work with him. And he saw the ironies and silliness of the business along with the serious side. May the memories of all the good times you all shared with him replace the pain of his passing.
Jeffrey Tarr
January 19, 2022
To The Family, My Dad, Ken Tarr graduated with Mike at Gloucester High, class of 52.
I remember Dad saying every time he was reporting on NBC, that Mike graduated with me.
Dad And Mike were friendly in school. We lost Dad in October 2020, so him and Mike are probally yaking it up again.
Rip in peace Mike.
Karen Anderson
January 18, 2022
To Jane and Mike's family,
Perhaps one of the most genuine, unassuming men ever- Mike Jensen. Whenever I would see him in Mystic, his engaging smile was the first thing one would notice. Then his kind, thoughtful demeanor as he inquired about others.
The love of his life was Jane, and they made a wonderful couple! Please know how very sorry I am for your loss.
Most sincerely,
Karen Anderson
Ron Bruno
January 18, 2022
I always enjoyed chatting with Mike at NBC about sailing and boating.
He was respected and a genuine gentle man.
Sue Evarts
January 17, 2022
Dear Jane~ I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, Mike. It was always a pleasure to see you two when I worked at Skipper's Dock. His love and enjoyment of you and your time together makes me smile, even now after all these years. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Most sincerely~
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