Einer Elroy Jensen was born on the family farm at Brorson that was homesteaded by his father Anders Christian (Chris) Jensen and Hattie Jensen on October 28, 1914. He joined older sisters Marie, Alice, and later younger sis Ruth. He graduated from Sidney High School in 1933.
Einer married Izetta Ruth Stephens from Savage on February 21, 1942. They continued to farm in Brorson and welcomed two sons, Clyde Elroy on April 12, 1943 and Gordon Donald on March 1, 1944. In 1948 they bought a farm in the Girard community where they lived full time until 1994. On April 24, 1950 their daughter Nadine Ruth was born.
Einer farmed in Girard and Brorsen and over the years and raised crops of wheat, barley, and oats, as well as cattle, pigs, sheep, and some good gardens to feed the family. The children attended the one-room school house at East Lone Butte school where Einer served as Chairman of the school board for 20 years. Einer and Izetta were very involved in their community serving on many boards and committees as well as being good neighbors and friends. They spent a lot of enjoyable time fishing in various parts of the country while traveling in their motor home. Einer served as chair of the Richland County Credit Union for 23 years, 4-H leader for 20 years, the Rural Electric Association board and was also involved with the Pella Lutheran Church.
Einer worked summers for the USDA starting in 1964 through 1978 and also sold Farmers Mutual Insurance. In 1976 they became snow birds flocking to Apache Junction, AZ. In 1994 they moved to Apache Junction full-time living in the Lost Dutchman park. In 2015 they moved into assisted living at Aurora Place in Apache Junction.
They were also very involved at the Lost Dutchman with their activities. They took up golfing in 1983. Dad especially enjoyed playing pool every afternoon at 3 and was the chair of the park for 2 years in the 80’s.
Einer and Izetta enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing cards, playing softball in their pasture on Wednesday evenings by the Girard Hall, participating in plays and events and social gatherings. Einer was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. His favorite saying when asked how he was doing was “Fit as a fiddle with all the strings broken”. They really enjoyed the closeness of son Clyde and Barbara Jensen when they moved full-time to Arizona in 2000.
Einer and Izetta just celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary and had a very loving, long relationship. Celebrations were held for their 25th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th and Einer’s 100th birthday. One more celebration will be held for Einer on November 12 at the Lost Dutchman park shortly after what would have been his 102nd birthday.
Survivors include wife Izetta Jensen, son Gordon Jensen (Auburn, WA), daughter Nadine Hawley (Spokane, WA), grandchildren Brenda Jensen (Renton, WA), Threasa McClain (Belfair, WA), DeAnna Jensen Woolworth (Ft. Collins, CO), Holly Larkee (Coolidge, AZ), Michael Hawley (Spokane, WA), 13 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, son Clyde Jensen, grandson Gordon Jensen Jr., great granddaughter Rachael Beaner, and daughter-in-law Sharon Jensen.
Remembrance donations may be made to the charity of your choice.