Howard Jenson

Howard A Jenson lived 92 full and meaningful years, and to say he’ll be missed is an understatement. Born in Morris, Minnesota, his life took him across the ocean with the U.S. Navy, delivering mail to aircraft carriers on a TBM airplane – connecting sailors with home one letter at a time. He was stationed in Italy, North Carolina, and Cuba during his time in service.

After serving his country, he returned to Morris - where fate had something special waiting. The moment he met Janell Eystad; his heart was spoken for. The two would share over seventy years of laughter, love and partnership. Through movement from Minneapolis, MN to Rice Lake, WI, they welcomed three sons – Jeff, Russell, and John- who kept life lively and full of adventure.

In 1967, the Jenson crew put down roots in Wahpeton, ND, where Howard’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight. While working for Williams Steel, he launched Industrial Plating Incorporated and started an underground sprinkler business. He was a fixture in his community. He could be seen teeing off at Bois De Sioux Golf Course, sharing ideas at the Chamber of Commerce meetings, or devoting his time as a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Men like Howard were rare…God shined on him, and it was impossible to ignore. If you saw a sharply dressed man with a warm smile and a quick-witted comment, chances are it was Howard.

Even in retirement, Howard kept a full calendar – splitting his time among woodworking projects, skiing, and as many rounds of golf as he could get away with. Privately, his time was spent as an avid reader.... some fiction, some quotations, and scripture were always within reach. He appreciated the finer things in life; family, friendship, and the occasional box of wine, which he insisted aged just fine… once opened.

Every golf round began with Howard asking, “Do we get a mulligan?” but truth be told, in life, he never needed one – he nailed it off the tee.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Haaken Jenson and Anna (Kvam) Jenson, two brothers and one sister. Howard is survived by his wife Janell (Eystad) Jenson; his sons Jeff (Sue), Russell (Sandy), and John (Michele); his grandchildren Alex (Allie), Noah, Ryan, Joey, Erin, Anna, and Erik; and numerous great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Howard’s favorite ministry: 365 Christian Men:

https://givebutter.com/365reachmorewritemore

and/or

Hospice of the Red River Valley (now HIA Hospice), who provided wonderful care in his final months.

Howard’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home at 4:00 pm, with visitation one hour before the service. There will be a reception following the service at Hughes Shelter in Chahinkapa Park, 825 RJ Hughes Dr., Wahpeton.  It will also be live-streamed via the Vertin-Munson website under the obituary tab and clicking on “Live Stream.”