Roy Jensen

Powers Lake

Roy Oliver Jensen, 91, longtime Powers Lake farmer, peacefully passed away, Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Mountrail Bethel Home, Stanley, ND.

Roy was born December 12, 1931, in Powers Lake, ND the elder son of Harold and Hazel (Slotsve) Jensen. He graduated from PLHS in 1949. In 1952, Roy met his future wife at a street dance in Bowbells. I don’t know if he knew, but Darlene immediately knew he was the “one”. Roy and Darlene (Olson) were married June 30 1955. Within four years three children were born: Diana, Ronda, and Leslie. Roy lost Darlene in 2019 after 64 years of marriage. He so missed the love of his life.

As Roy grew up, he learned about mechanics in his father’s business, Jensen’s Garage. There was not anything that he couldn’t fix. He passed that skill on to his son. In 1947, Grandpa Harold bought the farm.

With his middle name of Oliver, honoring a tractor model, Roy was destined to farm. Below his senior picture in his 1949 annual are the words “my kingdom for a tractor”. How true that quote was! Roy’s interest in farming was fueled by his grandfather S.M. Jensen and passed on to his son and grandsons. Roy said that it was working on the farm that shaped him the most. He never really retired from the farm, always offering advice.

In addition to being a full-time farmer, Roy worked the first oil boom full-time. Upon returning home from a day of checking wells, supper better be on the table at 5:00, so he could get to farming. He retired from Amerada Hess in 1989 after 35 years. He always said he wanted to live to see a drilling site on his own land.

Roy was so very proud and honored to serve his country during the Korean War. He entered the army in October, 1952. After his bus ride from Fargo to Fort Knox, Kentucky, Roy was trained to drive tanks. In March of 1953, he was flown to New York where he then boarded the ship “General Darby” along with a couple thousand fellow service members. He eventually was stationed in Munich, Germany for 20 months where he trained as a Medic. He was discharged in 1954 with a Corporal ranking. Roy was proud to be a member of Powers Lake American Legion Post 96.

Years ago, Roy and Darlene enjoyed square-dancing, riding snowmobiles, ball games, and card nights with friends. Later, winters in Arizona, trips to Hawaii and Europe were taken. Roy loved hunting and fishing with his son and grandsons. He had restored his B John Deere and A International tractors. He enjoyed gardening, going for drives and drinking coffee and visiting at the Senior Center and B’s Barn. Leisure time after 80 was spent watching TV. Roy loved his pro basketball, especially the Los Angeles Lakers, until, in his words, they fell apart. His favorite television shows were “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Roy and Darlene especially enjoyed spending time with their 11 grandchildren. They spent countless hours in area gyms following the kids’ games and activities.

And when the great-grands started to come, they were blessed with more babies. Oh, how they loved seeing the 19 little ones.

When asked, “What is your best characteristic?” Dad’s answer was: hardworking, helping others, generous, and honest. Amen, Dad, well done. You were the best.

Roy is survived by daughters, Diana (Mike) Thingstad, and Ronda (Bill) Kuster; daughter-in-law, Rhonda; brother, Eugene; sisters in-law, Martha McLean, Bonnie Fossen (Lyle), Lora (Kenneth) Schultz; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by son, Leslie; granddaughter, Kennedy Marie Karna; sisters and brothers in law, Delores and Robert Haas, Marion and Bud Rice.

Roy’s Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Powers Lake, North Dakota. Pastor Mike Fraunfelter will officiate. There will be a public visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Powers Lake, North Dakota.

The Funeral Service will be broadcast, you can view Roy’s service directly on his obituary page on our website www.springanstevenson.com.

Springan Stevenson Funeral Home of Stanley have been entrusted with arrangements and services. Friends may sign the online register and give their condolences at www.springanstevenson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News on September 6, 2023.