Karl A. Jensen
Karl A. Jensen, of Tremonton, UT, passed away on August 15, 2024. He was born in the family home on the Iowa String Road on August 3, 1936, to parents Eph and Vesta Jensen. He grew up on the family sheep ranch where he learned from his parents the value of hard work, honesty, and an appreciation for his Danish heritage.
Karl graduated from Bear River High School in 1954 where he served as sophomore class president and student body secretary. He was active in FFA, and at the age of 16, won the Master Stockman Award at the State Junior Livestock Show. Karl loved sports and was an accomplished athlete, participating in football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling, and earning berths on the All-State Football Team and the North All-Star Baseball Squad. He was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of Utah; he was a three-year letterman on the varsity football team, playing both linebacker and fullback, and where he was an integral component of the famed “Utah pass.” He was also a member of the varsity baseball team. Karl was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, an association that led to several enduring friendships. He graduated in 1958 with a BS in Education. Most importantly, while at the “U,” Karl met his lifelong sweetheart, Sue Frances Cowan. They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on July 30, 1958. They were married for almost 55 years until Sue’s passing in 2013.
After graduation, Karl took a position with the Weber School District at South Junior High, teaching math and coaching football. After teaching for two years, Karl was asked by his father to return home and take over the family sheep operation. Karl was humbled to carry on his father’s legacy of raising sheep, which he continued for the next 65 years, working on the ranch even up until the moment of his passing. Dad was a careful shepherd with a special love for the livestock he raised and the ground he worked, especially the summer range ground in Cache/Weber Counties which he often referred to as hallowed ground.
Karl never lost his love of coaching and the opportunity it offered to teach young people the rules of the game and the values of hard work and sportsmanship. He coached many young men in the LDS Church athletic program, leading the Tremonton 3rd Ward basketball team to the All-Church men’s championship tournament in Salt Lake City in both 1968 and 1969. He also instilled the love of sports in his four sons, coaching community Little League teams in both football and baseball.
Karl was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various callings throughout his life, including counselor in the Tremonton 3rd Ward bishopric, and Stake and Regional Athletic Director. Karl was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth, and as an adult served as cubmaster, scoutmaster, and on the District Roundtable. He was awarded the Silver Beaver and the District Award of Merit.
Karl is survived by six children: Mary Ellen Jensen, Tremonton; Louis (Salli) Jensen, Farr West; Linford (Stacey) Jensen, Draper; Lee Jensen, Coos Bay, OR; Ann Jensen, Culver City, CA; and Lane (Angie) Jensen, Tremonton. He is also survived by sister Sydna Jensen Keating, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents; sisters Ruth Jensen and Carolyn Jensen Parker; brother Reed Jensen; and beloved uncle Wilf Jensen.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 11 A.M. at the Tremonton 3rd Ward Church (9590 N 6800 W- Tremonton). Viewings will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 6-8 P.M. at Rudd Funeral Home- Tremonton (111 N 100 E- Tremonton) and prior to the service at the church from 9:30-10:30 A.M. Interment will take place in the Bear River City Cemetery. Online condolences and the link to the livestream of the service may be found at www.ruddfuneralhome.com.