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Howard Jensen Obituary

Howard Knud Prosch Jensen, part-time resident of Rancho Mirage for 22 years, passed away peacefully at his Bellevue, Wash. home on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous 26 year battle with cancer, never losing his incredible sense of humor and positive attitude.

Born in Keewatin, Minn. Nov. 17, 1920 to Knud and Johanna Prosch-Jensen, Howard attended the University of Minnesota where he met the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Doris. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1944 and served in theU. S. Army dental corp from 1944 to 1947.

Dr. Jensen moved to the Seattle area in 1948 where he established one of the first dental practices in Bellevue. He practiced dentistry for 43 years with great passion and commitment to his patients. His son, Howard P. Jensen, joined the practice in 1981. Their practice is currently the longest continuous dental practice in Bellevue. Dr. Jensen served as a clinical instructor at the University of Washington Dental School where he spent some of his most enjoyable days in dentistry working with students.

He was a life member of the American Dental Association; his other professional affiliations included the Washington State Dental Association, Seattle King County Dental Society and numerous study clubs.

As passionate as Dr. Jensen was about dentistry, his happiest moments revolved around his family. He seldom missed an event, performance or game involving his children or grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and they have all thrived under the warmth of his love and support.

Dr. Jensen was an avid reader and a life long learner. A gifted musician and accomplished trumpeter, he sang in his church choir for many years. He had many interests and hobbies including golf, photography, woodworking, jewelry making, hunting and fishing. Highlights were catching a 49 lb. king salmon in Alaska and scoring his 1st hole-in-one at the age of 83.

He was a member of several organizations throughout his life including the Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout), the University of Minnesota PresidentÆs Club, the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity, Grace Lutheran Church, the Bellevue LionÆs Club, Glendale Golf and Country Club, Overlake Golf and Country Club, Rancho Mirage Golf and Country Club, and the University of Washington PresidentÆs Club.

Dr. Jensen is survived by his wife, Doris; his six children, Susan Sagum Friedman (Elliott), Carol Johnsen (Steve), Sally Demetre (John), Mary Razore Maron (Howard), Howard Jensen (Cindy), and Rick Jensen (Toni); his 20 grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Justen, Troy, Tyler, Mollie, Alec, Amy, John-Michael, Joe, Jeff, Matt, Danny, Oliver, Alexa, Lisi, Trevor, Courtney, Alanna, Kyle, and two great-grandchildren, Mia and Lucas. He also is survived by his two brothers Carl Prosch-Jensen (Kate), Robert Jensen (Nancy) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Warren J. Razore. Dr. Jensen was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

The family is extremely grateful to Dr. Henry Kaplan and Dr. Bob Bjurstrom for the exceptional care Dr. Jensen received throughout his illness.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, lead by Pastor Charles Bomgren, 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Wash., 98004.

A reception celebrating Dr. JensenÆs life will follow immediately at Overlake Golf and Country Club, 8000 16th Street NE, Medina, Wash., 98039.

Remembrances may be made to the Dr. Henry G. Kaplan Research Fund c/o Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, Wash., 98122-4307 or Evergreen Hospice Services, 12822 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, Wash. 98034.

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

Published by The Desert Sun on Sep. 9, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Jensen

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Jay Posner

September 19, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful family.

Bob & Joan Thom

September 16, 2006

Our deepest sympathy and love to Howard's family. Such courage for so many years.

Cheryl Townsend

September 13, 2006

My deepest sympathy to my friend and colleague, Howie, as well as all of the Jensen family. I know that Howard was greatly loved by all and will be greatly missed. Thank you Howard for all of the things you did and the people you touched while you were here. Cheryl L. Townsend

Marna Coday

September 12, 2006

Mary & Family ... I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Althought I never had the opportunity to meet him ... I know the pain of losing a parent. My thoughts are with all of you at this sad time & always.

Teresa Delaney

September 11, 2006

As a friend of Mary's I have known Dr. and Mrs. Jensen for over thirty years. I remember visiting their wonderful farmhouse in Belleve, and chatting at many family celebrations. There were sad times that we shared as well. Through it all, Dr. Jensen was such a funny, kind, wonderful man, and I know his family and friends will miss him very much. I will too.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Jensen, Susie, Carol, Sally, Mary, Howie, Rick and their families at this time.

Much love,

Teresa Delaney, Steve and Mike Eklund

Mary Manix

September 11, 2006

My deepest sympathies are extended to the Jensen family. I am very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Jensen. I shall always remember his friendly manner when I would visit my dear friend Mary at the Jensen home in Bellevue. I was a very shy teenager when Mary and I became friends in high school and Dr. Jensen always made me feel comfortable with his funny jokes and his genuine interest in me. I shall always remember that kindness, and his wonderful smile.

Duane Woods

September 10, 2006

It is with great saddness we learned of Howard's passing this last week. As a close friend of his son Howie, I was fortunate to have enjoyed some wonderful times with Howard and Doris and many members of their family. Howard clearly lived a full and rich life, both professionally and personally. Professionaly, Howard was an outstanding dentist, building a large practice full of loyal patients. As a father, he was fortunate to see his son Howie build on his life's work with a similar passion for people and excellence. Howard also had a dream partner in Doris and a large and adoring family.



Howard battled cancer for nearly three decades without complaint and with a positive attitude that was simply inspiring. While he was too ill to attend the wedding of his grand daughter Lisi (which was only days before his passing), you could sense his presence and love through his family.



I think Howard is one of those rare people who can honestly say they have lived their life to the fullest and without regret. God Bless you Howard and thank you for your wonderful family.



Our thoughts and prayers are with Doris and all the Jensen Family.



Love,



Duane and Teri Woods

and Family

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