Alan L. Jensen

Al was born on November 26, 1946 to William and Helen Jensen. He grew up in the Soo Hill area and attended Escanaba High School, graduating in 1965. After graduation, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for four years on the aircraft carrier USS America as an electrician’s mate. He served off the coast of Vietnam earning himself several medals including a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam, Campaign RIbbon, and a Navy Unit Commendation.

After being honorably discharged, he moved to Denver, Colo. and worked for a printing press company. Lonesome for the U.P., he moved back home to Escanaba and while attending Bay de Noc Community College, he also worked at T.D. Vinette Boatbuilders. From building boats, he moved onto mining equipment with employment at Eimco K & K of Rock. After leaving Eimco, he became head welder at Bark River Culvert and Equipment for the next 18 years of his career. Al finished his working career at Mead-Westvaco in the woodyard department.

Al married the former Christine Thorbahn in 1977 and together they raised their two sons in Gladstone. Over the years, Al was very active and had many interests. He loved hunting, fishing, astronomy, gardening, welding, electric motor repair, trap shooting, and scouting. His greatest accomplishments in life, besides being a loving husband, father, and grandfather (papa) were earning his private pilots license, building a log cabin from pine trees planted on his grandfather’s property, and building his own sawmill.

Al was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church of Gladstone, serving on the board of trustees, mission committee, as well as being grounds keeper for several years.

Al was also a former member of Delta Astronomy Club, “Trails End” trap shooters, Community Action Reading Buddy, as well as helping to unload commodity trailers for senior citizen food distribution.

Al is survived by his wife of 46 years, Christine, as well as his two sons, Peter Jensen and Thomas (Heather) Jensen. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cecelia, Porter and Cole Jensen. Other survivors include his brother, Mitchell (Susan) Jensen, sisters-in-law Pam Thorbahn and Wanda LaCosse, and several nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son David, his in-laws, sister-in-law Karan Roberts, and brothers-in-law Gene Thorbahn, David LaCosse, and Joseph Roberts. A private memorial will be held at the convenience of the family. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Jensen family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.