A memorial service for Wesley C. (Wess) Jensen of Albert Lea will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Clayton Balsley will officiate. Wess passed away on June 16, 2010, in Hugo, he was 98 years of age. Mattson Funeral Home in Forest Lake is in charge of arrangements.
Wesley was born Nov. 2, 1911, to Rasmus C. and Mary (Nelsen) Jensen in Freeborn County. He was educated in the Albert Lea School systems, had worked as a salesperson for Bailey Electric and was a land developer on the West side of Albert Lea. Wess and Mae Roschon were married for 45 years, she passed away Oct. 31, 1997. Wess married Mildred Hanf in November of 1998; they continued to reside in Albert Lea until her passing in June of 2005. Wess has been an active member of the First Baptist Church all of his life.
Wess traveled extensively, having been to the North Pole, Japan and other European countries. For many years after retirement, he spent his winters in Mazatlan, Mexico, and summers at his cabin on Lake Of The Woods, Canada. He was an avid fisherman and thoroughly enjoyed fixing “shore” lunches for other fisherman; he also enjoyed hunting and raised hunting dogs. Wess held a pilot’s license and flew water aircraft for many years. One of his favorite past times was going for coffee with old friends at Nancy’s and weekly dinner outings at the Elks Club.
He is survived by nephews: Arlyn Jensen of Wyoming, Darrell Jensen of Duluth, Larry Jensen of Blaine, Ronald Jensen of Minneapolis and Dennis Jensen of Wis.; many great-nephews and nieces; sister-in-law, Mrs. George (Nona) Chesterman of Mora; brother-in-laws: Howard (Babe) Jensen and Oscar Jensen of Albert Lea; special friends and caregivers: Eileen Holty of Albert Lea and Bergett Langrud of Manchester.
He was preceded in death by Mae Jensen; Mildred Jensen; his parents; brothers: William, Charles and Claire; sister-in-law, Maude Cavanaugh; brothers-in-law: Egon and Alvin Jensen.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the First Baptist Church.