Thomas Jensen

Thomas “Tom” D. Jensen , age 67, of Falun, passed away suddenly, with his loving girlfriend of 18 years, Diane, by his side, on June 30, 2019, after a long illness with COPD. Tom was born on July 30, 1951, in Minneapolis, to parents, Ardis (Koskela) and Delbert Jensen. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1969. On February 26, 1971, Tom enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. After 6 years of service, he was honorably discharged. During his time in the Army, he met Julie Needham and together they had a son, Marcus, born on Tom’s birthday, July 30, 1970. Tom worked at McNally’s in Grantsburg as a tool and dye maker for 15 years. It was in Grantsburg that he met Gale McKnight and they were married on January 15, 1977. From this union, Tom became a father figure and helped raise Gale’s 3 children, Terry, Kimberly and April. And together the couple had a daughter of their own a few years later in 1980 a daughter, Jennifer. After 11 years, on good terms, the couple felt it was best to go their separate ways. Tom was a river guide on the St. Croix River for many years, a gig he considered to be his ultimate dream job. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and going for cruises. He also like playing pool, watching golf, but above all else, Tom loved being a grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren. Preceding Tom in death are his parents; sister, Judy Clark; and great-niece, Bailey Marie Wilke. Tom is survived by his children: Marcus (Rebecca) Needham, Jennifer (Kittie) Hannah, Terry Hederman, Kimberly (Robert) Peterson and April (Frank) Prestwood; siblings: Barb (Jim) Wilke, Terry Jensen, Alex Jensen, Arlana Parsons, Tim (Carol) Jensen; girlfriend, Diane Lawin; grandchildren: Justin, Caleb (Cheyenne), Jaedon, Austin, Kalel, Isis; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 5, 2019, at 1:00pm (visitation from 11:00am – 1:00pm) at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. The interment will be held at Lakeview Mudhen Cemetery with full military honors commencing at the gravesite. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com