KEN JENSEN - A devoted father, loving brother, cherished grandparent, beloved teacher and steadfast friend passed away on November 11, 2025 at his home surrounded by family at the age of 88. Ken was born on December 14, 1936 near Marshall, MN. He was the middle child of five who lived on a farm growing crops and raising cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens which meant lots of chores. He graduated high school from Milroy in 1954 in a class of 25 students. After graduation, he attended Mankato State University where he pursued a degree in teaching mathematics which he paid for by working nights at Continental Can Company. His first teaching job was in Springfield, MN where he also met and married his wife Jan in 1962. During this time he also worked on his Masters degree at the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD and went on to complete his Masters in Mathematics Education at Penn State University. In 1965 they started their family and moved to Anoka where he taught high school mathematics, mainly trigonometry and computer programming, for 30 years until he retired in 1996. As a father he led with quiet strength, heart, humor and his faith. He had a love of learning and was always exploring and growing. He was also a man of exceptional work ethic approaching every task with purpose and pride. He had many additional jobs over the years; painting, inspector on seed corn detasseling for Dekalb and 13 years as a field inspector for a civil engineering company. Ken said, "I very seldom asked what I would be paid. I figured if I would do a good job they would reward me accordingly. Get to work early. Do a good job, enjoy your work, be nice to your fellow employees and smile." As a grandparent he was there for every moment, big or small, showing his love by being present, offering his wisdom, telling stories and getting down on the ground to play. Ken shaped countless lives as a teacher with patience, encouragement and a belief in each student's potential. He was known for staying after class as long as there were students waiting in line for help. Many of his students carried his lessons far beyond the classroom. To his friends, he was a loyal companion that always showed up without being asked and shared joy freely. He was a kind friend whose presence made life lighter for everyone around him.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Laurie (Kevin) Smith and Amy (Jim) Hughes; grandchildren, Megan (Blake) Sandvold, Marissa (Trace) Adams, Mackenzie (Jack) Sowada, Lauren and Grant Hughes; great grandchildren, Bryn, Layne and Emma Sandvold, Rylee and Reese Adams;
brother Ron (Char) Jensen and sister Luella Gustafson; loving companion, Jane Knoll. Ken's death was preceded by his wife, Jan; his parents, Walter and Grace Jensen, his brothers, Gaylen and Rich Jensen.

A celebration of his life will be held on December 13, 2025 at 11:00 am at Anoka United Methodist Church, 850 South Street. Private interment Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, representing his love of our country and those who served or to a scholarship being established in his name at the Anoka High School for students pursuing a degree in teaching mathematics and sciences.  Below is the link to the school's general fund. If you scroll down the page, click on "gift is in honor of or a memorial gift" type in "Ken Jensen Scholarship fund" your donation will be added to Kens mathematics scholarship fund.

https://www.ahef.us/make-a-gift-now.html