Melvin (Mel) L Jensen

Melvin (Mel) L. Jensen

Mel was the first child born to Carl and Eldge (Anthon) Jensen. He was born in Burley, Idaho on January 18, 1929. He was raised and attended school in Burley. Mel had 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Mel served as a member of the Idaho State Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
He completed training at Idaho State University, Pocatello, and became a journeyman Electrician. Mel worked for the United States government, as an electrician for 34 years, obtaining the position of a foremen 3. He retired in 1985.
Mel met the love of his life, Betty Thompson, in 1952. They were married May 16, 1953. They were blessed with a son, James and a daughter, Terri. They lived in Burley and at Minidoka Dam until 1958, when they moved to Palisades Dam on the Upper Snake River. They lived in a government camp where he became a foreman; Mel was promoted to foreman 2 and they moved to Tracy, Ca. in 1963. The Jensen’s did not care for the weather and traffic in the San Juaquin Valley, so moved to their home in Montrose, Co. in 1964, where he obtained Foreman 3 status. His job required traveling throughout a 5-state region.
In his spare time, Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and caring for his yard. He adored children and his wife. His greatest joy was his family; he loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mel loved his country and was proud to have served in the National Guard.
Mel was a life member of the National Rifle Association, Montrose Rod and Gun Club, Montrose Elks Lodge #1053, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); he was president of the IBEW Local #283 for several years. Mel was a Master Hunters Education Instructor for many years, teaching gun safety in the Olathe School District, and many private classes.
Mel had 3 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He helped raise his granddaughter and later, his great granddaughter.
Mel is survived by his loving wife, Betty (Thompson), his son, James (wife, Marie), daughter, Terri (husband, John) Foechterle, grandsons, Christopher and Gary Foechterle, granddaughter, Nichole Eberly, step grandchildren Steve, Tim, Sarah and Doug Jackman and 2 great grandchildren, Fresita Jensen and Crissy Bitsui and his brother, Richard. Mel survived 9 years after having been on Hospice for 3 months and his family is grateful for the extra time they had to spend with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert, his sister, Lois, and his great grandson, Rogerio.
Mel did not belong to any organized religion, but was a believer and a Christian. He believed that we would be judged according to how we treat our families and fellow human beings. He believed that the USA is the greatest country on earth and that we should always defend it. Mel had many loyal friends whom he appreciated and loved to visit whenever he could.
There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel with inurnment to follow at Grand View Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice at 725 South 4th Street, Montrose, CO 81401 in Mel’s name. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home and Grand View Cemetery.