Ronald David Jensen was born February 4, 1930 in Logan (Hardscratch) Iowa to Grant and Mildred (Davis) Jensen. Ron attended school at Mount Hope country school until the family moved to their farm in 1941 near Harlan where he continued country school at Lincoln No 1. He and his brothers and sister would ride the family's pony "Daisy" to school when she would let them. Ron attended Harlan High School until he left for California in 1947 with several friends where he got a job at Edwards Air Force Base working on a rocket sled. While in California, he also worked at Peerless Pump Company, and on a hay ranch where he worked from 2AM to 9AM picking up bales of hay. Ron moved back to Harlan in spring of 1950.
Ron married Beverly Pauley on October 22, 1950 in the Chapel of The Pauley Funeral Home, which was founded and operated by Bev's parents. It was one of two weddings ever held in the Chapel. They attended Bethel Baptist church where Ron was an usher and they sang in the choir. Ron and Bev often sang duets. In later years, Ron and Bev attended Grace Baptist Church.
Ron and Bev had three children: Steve, Wade, and Elizabeth (Buff). Lifelong farmers in Shelby County, Ron and Bev's first farm was located north of Harlan. They lived there until 1970 when they bought their farm on Maple Road near Corley.
Ron lived life to the fullest and never passed on the chance for an adventure. He loved God, his family, friends, his farm, flying, picnics in the timber and NASCAR. After Bev passed away, he enjoyed giving tours around the farm in his Kubota and sitting and watching the birds at the feeders.
Ron went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha after a very brief and unexpected illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Mildred Jensen; wife, Beverly Jensen; brother, Lowell and sister-in-law Shirley, brother Byron, sister Mary and brother-in-law John Stangl. He is survived by Steve (Merry Jo) Jensen of Lincoln, NE, Wade (Linda) Jensen of Harlan, IA, Elizabeth Jensen (Bret Thies) of Indianola, IA, 5 grandchildren - Emily Sorensen (Barry) of Harlan, IA, Laura Schulte (Stephen) of Hendersonville, TN, Jill Jensen (Dr. Matthew Glenn) of Lincoln, NE, Grant Jensen (Nathalia Pazian) of San Diego, CA, and Hannah Glantz (Ryan) of Lincoln, NE, and 8 great grandchildren, all whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Bruce Pauley (Jennifer Lassiter) of Dallas, TX.
Ron will be missed deeply.
Memorials may be given to 8 Ball Club in care of Harlan Aviation 610 HWY 59 Harlan, Iowa 51537 or Grace Baptist Church 904 19th St. Harlan, Iowa 51537 in Memory of Ron.
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