More detail on this person: Mark L. Jensen Our
family's true American hero, Mark Lewis Jensen,
passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 1st, 2012
at the age of 63. As Mark's health issues tripled
over the past 6 years, he never gave up. He lived
far beyond what any physician expected. We will
never forget his daunting fight and courage. His
hope never faltered and he fought each hurdle with
grace and tenacity. His caregivers often called
him "unique" for he repeatedly surprised everyone
and remained bright and funny until the very end.
Mark was born on February 24, 1949 in Tacoma to
Lloyd (Bud) Jensen and Judy Ryland Jensen. Mark
was the middle child of three boys. Upon his
parents parting, Mama Judy worked tirelessly to
raise her 3 sons in a home filled with love and
values. Mark's parents were each of Norwegian
descent and he often reflected on his Norwegian
roots and the many memories of growing up with a
large Norwegian family. Mark was a commissioned
army officer in the Vietnam war where he served
with tremendous pride as a helipcopter pilot in
the 101st Airborne Division. During his service,
Mark was nominated for the Silver Star for
"gallantry in action", awarded the Bronze Star for
"heroic or meritorious achievement in service and
received 20 plus air medals. Mark was shot down 3
times and walked away from each crash saving the
lives of all who were onboard his ship. He was
also one of the first helicopters to arrive at
"Hamburger Hill". He remains an active member of
the Vietman Helicopter Pilots Assoc. Vietnam
carved a lot of what Mark would become in his life
giving him amazing strength, character and
uncompromising faith. In 1978, Mark married his
true soulmate and best friend, Penny Smith Jensen.
Penny loves to recount how she fell in love at
first sight with Jark (his teenage nickname) at
Nelson Drug on Proctor in 1965. In 1976 they had a
chance encounter at Longacres and two yrs. later
flew to Maui and wed. Besides Penny, Mark was
very close to his 2 brothers, Gary Jensen (Jackie)
and Roger Jensen (Donna). Also surviving Mark is
his only child, Christopher Jensen. He leaves
behind nieces Konnie Jensen, Patricia Hedland,
Alex LaRoque and Brandy Murray plus nephews
John Jensen and Martin Jensen. Mark has many
cousins too, who he cared so much about and his
loving aunt Francis Ryland. Mark also leaves
behind dear friends Robert Dobler, Eric Lansford,
Michael Wendell and his favorite attorney and
friend John P. Jensen. We would be amiss not to
include here his 3 dogs who he loved so very much,
Abbie, Gidget, and Tabitha. Mark's beloved mother
passed to the Lord on March 11th. Mark was her
caregiver for many years. Mark spent many years in
the food industry with the last 20 years running
the family business, Frisko Freeze, with Penny.
The two of them enjoyed years of traveling or
relaxing at their retreat on Hoods Canal. They
loved the Oregon coast plus trips to Hawaii,
cruising, boating and racing thoroughbreds until
Longacres closed. Our Mark was a great man of
faith and a prayer warrior who, at one time,
considered attending seminary to become a pastor.
He enjoyed a good debate with a Christian or
non-believer. If Penny asked Mark a biblical
question, she could count on an hour or more of an
answer. Mark was never more on fire than when he
was talking about God's Word. He was also a huge
animal lover, this gentle giant of a man. He
believed in the "Rainbow Bridge" where he would
one day greet all of the adored creatures that he
and Penny had over the years, dogs, lopear
rabbits, a rat and a chipmunk. Our hearts are
broken Spider Man, but we know you no longer
suffer and are in joyous sunlight now with the
Lord and Savior waiting for all of us to join you
one day. Upon Mark's passing, Mark's brother
Roger wrote the following: "While we are mourning
the loss of our most loved one, at the same time,
there are those who have been waiting joyfully
with open arms." No eye has seen, no ear has
heard, and no mind has imagined what God has
prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Services to be held at Mt. View Funeral Home on
Thursday, July 19th at 1 pm in the Garden Chapel.
Graveside burial to follow with full military
honors.
A luncheon will be served following in the Willow
Room 253-584-0252
begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 253-584-0252
end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Special thanks go
to Franciscan Hospice for their care and
compassion these past few months. Heartfelt love
and gratitude to Antonio Jimenez who became like
a son to Mark. Antonio was there for Mark day and
night these past two years. Thank you to Cheri
Collins for all of her help this last year. You
gave Mark immeasurable peace in being there for
Penny too. Memorials may be made to any
charitable animal organization of your choice.
Mark would love that!
Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on July 15.
Burial information: Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, WA
This information was last updated 01/07/2019
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