Mark Jensen's Obituary
Mark L. Jensen Our family's true American hero.
Mark Lewis Jensen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 1st, 2012 at the age of 63. As Mark's health issues tripled over the past 6 years, he never gave up. He lived far beyond what any physician expected. We will never forget his daunting fight and courage. His hope never faltered and he fought each hurdle with grace and tenacity. His caregivers often called him "unique" for he repeatedly surprised everyone and remained bright and funny until the very end.
Mark was born on February 24, 1949 in Tacoma to Lloyd (Bud) Jensen and Judy Ryland Jensen. Mark was the middle child of three boys.
Upon his parents parting, Mama Judy worked tirelessly to raise her 3 sons in a home filled with love and values. Mark's parents were each of Norwegian descent and he often reflected on his Norwegian roots and the many memories of growing up with a large Norwegian family.
Mark was a commissioned army officer in the Vietnam war where he served with tremendous pride as a helicopter pilot in the 101st Airborne Division. During his service, Mark was nominated for the Silver Star for "gallantry in action", awarded the Bronze Star for "heroic or meritorious achievement in service and received 20 plus air medals. Mark was shot down 3 times and walked away from each crash saving the lives of all who were on board his ship. He was also one of the first helicopters to arrive at "Hamburger Hill".
He remains an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assoc. Vietnam carved a lot of what Mark would become in his life giving him amazing strength, character and uncompromising faith.
In 1978, Mark married his true soul mate and best friend, Penny Smith Jensen. Penny loves to recount how she fell in love at first sight with Jark (his teenage nickname) at Nelson Drug on Proctor in 1965. In 1976 they had a chance encounter at Long Acres and two yrs. later flew to Maui and wed.
Besides Penny, Mark was very close to his 2 brothers, Gary Jensen (Jackie) and Roger Jensen (Donna).
Also surviving Mark is his only child, Christopher Jensen. He leaves behind nieces Konnie Jensen, Patricia Hedland, Alex LaRoque and Brandy Murray plus nephews John Jensen and Martin Jensen. Mark has many cousins too, who he cared so much about and his loving aunt Francis Ryland. Mark also leaves behind dear friends Robert Dobler, Eric Lansford, Michael Wendell and his favorite attorney and friend John P. Jensen.
We would be amiss not to include here his 3 dogs who he loved so very much, Abbie, Gidget, and Tabitha.
Mark's beloved mother passed to the Lord on March 11th. Mark was her caregiver for many years.
Mark spent many years in the food industry with the last 20 years running the family business, Frisko Freeze, with Penny. The two of them enjoyed years of traveling or relaxing at their retreat on Hoods Canal. They loved the Oregon coast plus trips to Hawaii, cruising, boating and racing thoroughbreds until Long Acres closed.
Our Mark was a great man of faith and a prayer warrior who, at one time, considered attending seminary to become a pastor. He enjoyed a good debate with a Christian or non-believer. If Penny asked Mark a biblical question, she could count on an hour or more of an answer. Mark was never more on fire than when he was talking about God's Word.
He was also a huge animal lover, this gentle giant of a man. He believed in the "Rainbow Bridge" where he would one day greet all of the adored creatures that he and Penny had over the years, dogs, lop ear rabbits, a rat and a chipmunk.
Our hearts are broken Spider Man, but we know you no longer suffer and are in joyous sunlight now with the Lord and Savior waiting for all of us to join you one day.
Upon Mark's passing, Mark's brother Roger wrote the following: "While we are mourning the loss of our most loved one, at the same time, there are those who have been waiting joyfully with open arms." No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:
Services to be held at Mt. View Funeral Home on Thursday, July 19th at 1 pm in the Garden Chapel. Graveside burial to follow with full military honors. A luncheon will be served following in the Willow Room 253-584-0252.
Special thanks go to Franciscan Hospice for their care and compassion these past few months. Heartfelt love and gratitude to Antonio Jimenez who became like a son to Mark. Antonio was there for Mark day and night these past two years. Thank you to Cheri Collins for all of her help this last year. You gave Mark immeasurable peace in being there for Penny too. Memorials may be made to any charitable animal organization of your choice. Mark would love that!
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home
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