Douglas Ray Jensen

Doug Jensen

Richfield, UT

Douglas Ray Jensen, peacefully left this life, surrounded by family, July 12, 2017 at the age of 78. Doug was born June 8, 1939 in Richfield, the son of Evan Ray and Devona Cowley Jensen.

He was the senior president for the RHS Class of 1957. He served an LDS Mission in the Australia Sydney Mission from 1959-1961. Soon thereafter, he married the love of his life, Gwen Ileen Ogden, on the 19th of December 1961. While at Utah State University he earned his Bachelor of Science, his Master of Science, and ultimately his Doctor of Philosophy, Electrical Engineering Degree’s.

He spent his career in Civil Service for the Department of Defense, United States Navy. He traveled the world extensively in the service of his country, representing NASA and NATO in collaboration with Foreign Governments and their scientists and received the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Among his achievements, it was noted that he directly contributed to NRAD’s prestige as the "recognized leader in the field of optical propagation measurements and modeling."

His days with the Navy required his residence in San Diego, California, where he and Gwen raised their four children. His devotion to his family and his faith never wavered. Near the end of their stay in San Diego, he was called to serve as The San Diego North Stake Mission President which included staffing the temple grounds and his stake with over 120 Missionaries. The San Diego Temple became the third greatest source of referrals for missionary work in the church, and their stake saw more than 250 baptisms yearly. When asked how he did it, he replied that he "read the manual" and followed the directions.

Upon his retirement in 2000, Doug and Gwen returned home to Richfield. They came loaded down with cherished memories and favorite hobbies, ready to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Most days he could be found tinkering in his woodshop (also known as Santa’s Workshop), manicuring his lawn, and driving around his beloved valley, but on his favorite days, he could be found cruising Fish Lake in search of a prize Mackinaw.

Another call to serve the Church sent Elder and Sister Jensen to be CES Directors in the Baltimore, MD mission. Their efforts resulted in increased Institute of Religion attendance, and more importantly marriages for students at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland.

Unfortunately, the development of a crippling lung disease brought premature limitations for him. Undaunted he sought to do what he could, and another church calling found him on Thursdays hunting down forgotten ancestors at the Family History Library. His devotion to his calling oft times exceeded his abilities. His yard, his dog and even his wife’s goose still received his attention albeit from a power chair, and his woodshop still brought him a respite.

He will always be remembered for just being Grandpa, for his love of Christmas, his passion for boating, his sense of humor, and his unconditional love for his family, friends and nearly everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his older brother Max Evan Jensen, and his grandsons: Dylan Douglas Jensen and MacGregor Scott Douglas. He is survived by his wife Gwen; brother, Bartell and Arlene Jensen; and his children: Tracy and Derek Hopper, Michael and Becky Jensen, Kristen and Andrew Douglas, and Stephen and Julie Jensen; 18 grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 11:00 am in the Richfield 2nd Ward Chapel, 600 W. 200 S. in Richfield. Friends may call on Wednesday July 19, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Magleby Mortuary and also prior to services at the ward chapel on Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Richfield Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com