Donald R. Jensen's Obituary
Donald R. Jensen, born in Southgate, California, on July 27, 1942, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, leaving behind a life full of extraordinary accomplishments, love, and adventure. He attended Earl Warren High School in Downey, California, where he met the love of his life, Patty Jensen. Their story began in the most charming way, when Patty stole one of his French fries at a Foster’s Freeze. From that playful moment on, their love grew and they were married in 1965. Their love continued to grow stronger over their 59 years of marriage.
Don loved and excelled in many sports, including Football and Track & Field, where he earned a dual scholarship for both sports while playing at San Jose State University. He also loved martial arts and had the privilege of representing the United States in Judo as an alternate at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, an experience he cherished throughout his life. Don also loved and competed in wrestling, racquetball, tennis, baseball, skiing, scuba diving, and even poker.
Don was known by everyone for his constant humor, endless optimism, and his strong work ethic. He approached everything he did with passion, class, and a commitment to bringing laughter and joy to everyone around him.
Professionally, Don enjoyed a long and distinguished 33-year career with Procter & Gamble as a sales and marketing executive. His work took him and his family to many parts of the world, including San Jose CA, Houston and Dallas TX, Cincinnati OH, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel CA, and even Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
An avid traveler and reader of history, Don learned about and visited 127 countries across every continent (including Antarctica). He always had captivating stories from the many places he visited – from the Taj Mahal to the Egyptian pyramids. Among all his travels, his heart was most drawn to the beauty and culture of Turkey and Italy, which he visited many times.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Patty Jensen; his children, Karen (Todd) Shields and Paul (Tiffany) Jensen; his grandchildren, Savvy (Nate) Shields Wolfe, Dane (Katelin) Shields, Jake Jensen, and Audrey Jensen; his great-granddaughter, Adeline Janine Wolfe, and his brother, Bob (Jackie) Jensen.
Don will always be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love for his wife Patty of 59 years, his dedication to his family, his larger than life presence, his laughter and inspiration, and the positive influence he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of love, humor, laughter, and hard work will inspire and live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
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