Dale D. Jensen
Dale D. Jensen age 80 of Spring Valley, died Tuesday August 16, 2016 at his home (which is the same house where he was born) in the Township of Spring Lake, surrounded by his family.
Dale was born August 27, 1935 at home on the farm, in the Township of Spring Lake, rural Spring Valley. He was the son of Cyril and Myrtle (Chapman) Jensen Esanboch. Dale graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1953. He worked at the Elmwood Creamery during and after high school until joining the U.S. Army. Dale served for three years and was honorably discharged. After basic training the rest of his time was served in France as a heavy equipment operator. Dale married Mary Ann Smith in 1956 in Toul France while he was stationed there during his time of service. After his discharge, he returned to work in the Elmwood Creamery until it closed. Dale then worked for Roy Meyer in Red Wing, MN as a welder. He also worked in Hagar City at the new plant as a Supervisor. Dale then worked for the Greenway family, where he hauled milk and drove their semi and ended up running the evaporator in the whey plant, retiring in February of 2007.
Dale loved his farm, where he grew up. He enjoyed being out in the woods, hunting, putting up wood or just walking. Dale could fix or build anything he set his mind to. He saved everything, because “you never know when you might need a spare part.” Dale will be deeply missed by his family.
Dale is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann, seven children, Susan Johnson of Lakeville, MN; Randy (Chris) of Spring Valley; Jackie (Tom) Nellessen of Elk Mound; Gerald (Angelita) of Coon Rapids, MN; Anita Lisowski of Nelson; Todd (Kris) of Wheeler, Edward (friend, Phea Hein) of Eau Claire; 20 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; a sister Delores (Jay) Murphy of St. Paul, MN; a brother, Bruce (Kathi) of Ellsworth, a sister-in-law, Janice Jensen of Spring Valley, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, step father, Roy Esanbock, a son Joe, a son-in-law, Keith Johnson, a brother Cyril Kenneth, a sister and brother-in-law, Nona Jean (Owen) DeLong.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday August 24, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Prince Raja officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.