Clifford O. Jensen
Cliff was born June 26, 1920 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Dr. C. J. and Agnes Jensen. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School where he was first chair trumpet in the band, and participated in football and the swim team. He attended St. Olaf College and sang with the Viking Male Choir.
The Jensen Family Band had a lot to do with Cliff’s life-long interest in music. With his Mom and Dad, and younger brother Don, the family performed at many events in Fort Dodge. Cliff looked forward to, and thoroughly enjoyed, playing the organ and his music lessons later in life.
Cliff served 3 ½ years in the U.S. Army at Camp Beale, CA, attaining the rank of First Sergeant. There he met, and fell in love with, a beautiful brown-eyed secretary, Ruth Fox. The two were married June 12, 1945 in Marysville, California. After his discharge from the service the couple returned to Cliff’s hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa where he began a 17-year career with International Harvester Company, including work in Minneapolis, MN, Minot, ND, and, in January of 1963, Billings, Montana as Assistant District Manager.
Later that same year Cliff entered the Real Estate profession in Billings, eventually realizing his life-long dream of owning and operating his own business, Associate Realty. A true people person and a gifted salesman, Cliff loved working with everyone he came in contact with and was always happiest when he was putting a deal together and helping others, as he so often did.
Cliff was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Church President. He was a proud charter member of Golden K Kiwanis, and enjoyed membership in the Greeters at Al Bedo Shrine. His volunteer work with Saint John’s Lutheran Home, and service as President of the Board during that organizations early expansion and development, was probably the high point of his business career. In 2007, the “Jensen Cottage” at Saint John’s was dedicated in his honor.
As loving husband, dedicated father, and family man, Cliff took great pride in the accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. He loved birthday parties, Christmas with the family, Ruth’s delicious cookies and carrot cake, boating on “Cliff’s Skiff” at Lake Pend Oreille, and entertaining at the Stillwater cabin. His Norwegian heritage was always evident. When Cliff and Ruth traveled to Norway, he remarked that it was there he felt “close to heaven”. The couple also enjoyed trips to Europe and Alaska. Their visits to Connecticut, with wonderful family tour guides and hosts John and Jean Langley, were always at the top of their list.
Previous passings include Cliff’s parents Carl and Agnes Jensen, Brother Donald Jensen, and Sister-In-Laws Judy Jensen and Jean Langley.
Cliff is survived by his wife Ruth, three sons, Bruce (Paula L.), Nye, MT, Douglas (Paula and daughter RheAnyn), Billings, MT, and Brian (Brenda), West Des Moines, IA. Five grandchildren, Gavin (Holly), Renton, WA, Tyson, Lacey, WA, Tad, Portland, OR, Kaitlin, Billings, MT, Megan, West Des Moines, IA, and, most recent blessing, great grandchild Soren, Renton, WA.
He was a good man, a loving husband, father and grandfather, but most of all a wonderful friend. The day he crossed over the Lord asked him, “Cliff, how are you doing?” Cliff smiled and, with that special glint in his eye, said, “Lord, I’m so good nobody believes it!” Takk for Ault.
Memorial services will be 2:00pm Thursday, March 11th at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
For years I worked at the Happy Diner in Billings and always loved it when Cliff came in. He had a knack for making the worst day bright with his gentle nature and wonderful attitude toward life in general. I know his family will miss him a lot and I extend my sincerest sympathy.
Pat Dimzoff
Our deepest sympathy to your entire family in the loss of your Dad, Cliff.
Roy & Kathy Jo Eskro
Cliff had such a positive attitude and enjoyed life. I have always kept his wisdom and kindness in my heart . I worked for Cliff for nearly two years and gained much experience in real estate and lots of other life lessons. He was always ready to listen and give guidance to me and to my family. My kids are grown now and there are grandchildren to nurture. Cliff was a good role model. Do you think he is still controlling the deal in heaven??
You bet!!
Sincere condolences, Shirley and Mike Mansfield
I only knew Cliff for a short time, but that is all that is took to know that he was a great man. Great people tend to surround themselves with other great people and that was ever so evident with Cliff and the support of his family in his remaining days here with us on earth. My deepest sympathy to Ruth, Bruce, Doug, Brian, and the rest of the family for your loss. I can picture Cliff telling me how he was feeling when I asked, always replying with “Terribly good for a young fella.”
Dustin Long
I'm sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. He was a man I admired and respected as much as my own father. I thank him for his advice and words of wisdom many years ago. Callie and I were just talking about him a few months ago and we shared some wonderful memories. I thank him and Ruth for the many things they had done for me and my daughter. He will be missed but not forgotten. He was a very wise and kind man and shared it. We had to laugh as he was still the only person I knew that but butter on his cookies and pie. His justification was that it went down a lot easier. God bless you, Ruth and to all of your family.
Cheryl Safty Donohoe and Callie Safty