Gordon Wayne Jensen

Gordon Wayne Jensen, 87, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Gordon was raised on the Jensen family homestead in Running Valley in Colfax, Wisconsin. He went to school in a one room schoolhouse, where he often joked that he "walked uphill both ways" to school. He enlisted in the Army at age 18 right off the farm. After exchanging orders with a friend, he was off to Germany where he traveled around Europe finding much adventure. Upon return from the military, in 1957, Gordon started a 40-year career with Northwest Airlines. He married Marilyn Velie in 1958 and raised two children. He traveled the world and enjoyed just being with people, telling stories, and always showing his great sense of humor. After the passing of his wife, Gordon again found love and companionship. With Mary Lethert, he shared 19 years of good times, many travels, and much happiness with one another. He will be remembered for being " the nicest and kindest man you could meet," a man of his word, an honestly good person, reliable, a man of faith, loving husband, and the best father a child could ever ask for. He enjoyed woodworking, being with family and friends, telling stories, and was always willing to help others.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; parents, Goodwin and Mary; in-laws, William and Josephine; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald, Carole, Warren, Bill, and Joanne; and stepsister, Darlene.

Gordon will be missed by his children, David (Martha) Jensen and Mary Jo Jensen; loving friend, Mary Lethert; her children, Linda Booher, Jerry (Dianne) Lethert, and Jean (Joe) Senko; step-siblings, Radina (Donn) Welton, Richard Jensen, and Paul Jensen; sister-in-law, Eunice Velie; nieces and nephews, Tom (Debbie) Velie, Joe (Sheryl) Velie, and Lana (Neal) Bennett; caregiver and friend, Kimberly Larson; and many other family and friends.

Funeral Service will be Tuesday, May 30 at 10 AM with visitation 9-10 AM at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80^th St. S, Cottage Grove.  Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Memorials preferred to New Beginnings Adoptions in Tupelo, MS.

For those who would like to participate in Gordon's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10:00 am.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, please accept our apologies, but the service will be available to watch later in the day.