Donald Duane Jensen

Dear Papa,

You were the definition of wonderful to us, your beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Miller, Elise C. Sorensen, Elizabeth F. Miller, Kyle Miller, and David Sorensen. From the time of your birth on July 26, 1925, until your last breath on January 25, 2021, while dying in your daughter’s arms, you showed us just how beautiful, full, and treasured 95 years of life can be. Being born in Graceville, MN, and then moving at the age of ten to South Bend, IN, with your parents Hilma R. (Olson), Charles Jensen, and brothers Charles and Richard Jensen, was one of your first moments of showing bravery, but most certainly not your last. Just eight years later, on your eighteenth birthday, you enlisted in the Marine Corps, to serve your country in its greatest time of need during WWII, in the 5th Division, 105 Company, H Battery, Artillery Unit, and survived the Battle of Iwo Jima, when so many of your brothers in arms did not. You humbly never let on as a hero, but to us, that is what you will always be.

Your greatest adventure awaited you when returning back to South Bend from the war, specifically at Clark’s Soda Fountain, where you met the truest love of your life, Joyce E. Goodpaster, whom was introduced to you by her very best friend and your soon-to-be sister-in-law, Jo Jo. You called her yours forever on October 1, 1949, at Epworth United Methodist Church. Your incredible 71 years of love together is proof in your beautiful daughters, Gail Miller and Gwen Jensen, who will continue loving their Daddy forever, and the family you built in us; two adoring daughters; a treasured son-in-law, Michael Miller, whom we know had a beer and a laugh waiting for you in heaven; four grandchildren and a great-grandson, who think the world of you and your shining example of a man of love and honor; and nieces and nephews, who have loved and admired your gentle and kind spirit always.

Reflecting on the things that made you so happy (your mom’s baked goods with a cup of Swedish coffee, playing poker with your buddies, going to breakfast at Nick’s Patio with your high school and golf friends, celebrating the Fourth of July with your neighbors at the annual block party, visiting your favorite doctors, Chris Hall and Mark Thompson, teaching David the game of golf that you loved and excelled in, going to Marine reunions with Nana, cheering us on from the sidelines, cuddling with fur-baby Oreo in the easy chair, spending precious time with your family), you were made whole by being with us, and instilling a lot of yourself into the adults we are today. Not a day passed in our childhood when we did not get to see you and Nana, and truly how lucky we were as kids to have your presence and love surrounding us everyday. Even at the end, when we thought we had lost you, you woke up to the sound of Nana’s voice, and proved how much of a fighter you have always been, making sure we were all ok and telling us how proud you were of us. We made you the happiest, but Papa, you have made us the most thankful and forever appreciative of your humility, grace, and love. We know your grandson Nicholas was waiting to be back in his Papa’s arms when you joined him in heaven, along with your parents, brothers, son-in-law, and sisters-in-law. We will take care of Nana, and keep your spirit alive in us forever.

We would like to thank Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer Chapel for assisting us with funeral arrangements, and encourage any memorial contributions wanting to be made in honor of our Papa be sent to Camp Millhouse (25600 Kelly Rd., South Bend, IN 46614).

A small, private family service was held with military honors at Highland Cemetery, with a memorial planned for later this summer. Email condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

9/7/2021 EJS