John Clyde Jensen was born July 30, 1943, in Seward, the son of Clyde Edward and Ruby Jean (Batchelder) Jensen and passed away May 27, 2022, in Lincoln, at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 27 days.
John grew up in Goehner, where he attended grade school and later graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1961. He then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 3 ½ years. John enlisted into the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1964, where he served as a civil servant working in communications and navigation. John retired from the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1988.
He met Marie Salazar in California while on assignment working at her company, and, on June 28, 1968, they married in Lincoln. John worked at Square D in Lincoln for another 20 years before his retirement.
John loved tinkering around the house, gardening and building onto his home.
He and Marie loved going on road trips together and traversed the United States from California to Texas, Alaska and more. They also enjoyed traveling to Prince Edward Island, Mackinac Island and Mexico. He loved his family and enjoyed seeing his grandchildren every chance he could get. He and Marie were foster parents to more than 100 children during their 20 years of fostering. He was a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, and he and Marie attended the Lincoln City Church. Prior to that, he heeded the Lord’s call to teach, and he gave his Sundays to the preaching of God’s word. For 21 years, he and Marie opened their home to seekers of God and shepherded a flock of friends and family through the Word and worship in their home church.
John was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Arlene Oettinger and Susan Holland. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marie Jensen, Goehner; three sons and their wives, Daniel and Kendra Jensen, Austin, Texas, Michael and Nichole Jensen, Alexandria, Minnesota, and Walter Jensen, St. Paul, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren, Daniel’s children – Jeremiah and wife, Alex Jensen, Thomas, Sophia, Madeline, Mario and Josephine Jensen, Michael’s children – Ruby, Luca and Sam Jensen; sister, Kathy Stewart, Scottsdale, Arizona; brother, James and wife, Jayne Jensen, Goehner; brother-in-law, David Holland; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, foster children and friends who were lucky enough to have their lives touched by John Jensen.
A Celebration of Life was June 3 at the Lincoln City Church. Inurnment was at the Mound Prairie Cemetery in Seward with full military honors by the United States Air Force. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kiwanis Club of Seward Backpack Program. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
