In Memory

J. Kurt Jensen (Skyline)

J. Kurt Jensen (Skyline)

(Joell) Kurt Jensen

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Joell Kurt Jensen, 70, died peacefully in his home Friday, May 20, 2016 in Murray, UT.  Kurt was born July 24, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Veda LaDean Jensen and Joell Andrew Jensen.  He married Patricia Kay Parkin January 12, 1967 in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Kurt graduated from Skyline High School in 1963 where he was a member of the Key Club.  His entire life was devoted to the service of others including his church, family, friends, community, and country.

An active member of the LDS Church, he was called to serve a mission in the Central Atlantic States Mission where he served in North Carolina and Virginia. 

Upon returning from serving the Lord, Kurt valiantly accepted a call to serve his country.  He was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on February 1, 1973.  He served in the 18th Military Police Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam for the period of February 1968 to January 1969.  He received several  military awards for his service including; National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal,  and Army Commendation Medal. 

Kurt continued his service by joining the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department in January 1972 and was recognized multiple times as an officer with ability to protect the public and diffuse critical situations.  He was known for his persistence and ability to successfully resolve volatile circumstances.  He received a Certificate of Recognition multiple times during his 27 year service.  Kurt also dutifully served as a security officer for Valley Fair Mall during the same 27 year time period.  He retired from both in November 1999.

Kurt was a devoted, loving and caring person.  He sought ways to connect with others and spent the last several years doing water exercises with his friends at the Lion’s Club.  Throughout his life and up until the very end, he worried about his “Jewel”, Tish who has been an integral part of his life for the past 60 years. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments.  They were the light of his life.

Kurt is survived by his wife of 49 years, Tish, his children, Korin (John) Richins, Trent ( Shelly) Jensen, Tawnya (Kirk) Waterfall, Tifany (Terry) Hoecherl, Amber (Ryan) Morris, and eighteen grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 11:00am at the Murray Parkway Stake Center, 619 West 5750 South.  Friends and family may visit on Thursday evening, May 26, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:30pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East and at the church on Friday  from 9:30 to 10:30am prior to services.  Interment:  Elysian Burial Gardens.  Messages to the family can be made at www.holbrookmortuary.com.