Eugene (Gene) J. Jensen passed in his sleep on July 1, 2010, firm in the conviction of the Lord’s atonement and resurrection. Gene had a great love for the Lord and His gospel. He placed God and family above all else and died with a strong testimony of the eternal nature of the family when sealed together by restored authority. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was born Sept. 5, 1933 in Anaconda, Mont., to Nels Marvin and Bertha Lorilla Jensen. He previously survived his parents and four siblings; Don, Myrle, Glen, and Fay. He grew up in Anaconda, a smeltering town, moving but once (across the street). It was a time when classmates educated together through all 12 years of schooling. During high school his interest in sports focused on football, earning him a state honors which he considered a worthy springboard into a fruitful life.

In 1953, while working in Coeur d’Alene, he met his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia JoAnne (Nelson). Gene was the father of seven children. His daughter, Vicki Smith, his oldest from a previous marriage, was raised by her mother in Anaconda. Gene and Patty have six additional children together, Nels Jensen and Capri Barlow of Coeur d’Alene, Celeste Goodwin of Post Falls, Andrea Furston and Shaun Jensen of Spokane , and Jens Jensen of Nampa. He and Patty enjoyed their 24 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Gene and Patty spent their early years in Coeur d’Alene building their lives together. Some may remember Gene as their milkman in the 50s or as the owner of Gene’s OK Tire Store in the 60s. In 1969 they sold their home and business and moved to Provo, Utah, where Gene pursued his dream to obtain his degree at Brigham Young University. In 1991 they returned to their beloved Coeur d’Alene where Gene began to work as a yellow page representative for the local Black Book” His entire life was spent in sales; he loved mixing good people with a worthy product. He retired in 2006.

Gene truly enjoyed serving his fellow man. He spent countless hours of service in his communities, in his many callings and responsibilities in his church as well as loving serving his family and friends. He had a very welcoming personality and was well known for his witty sense of humor; you could always count on him to be ready with a joke. Many admired his great character and integrity. His genuine love for all those around him allowed him to forge strong bonds of friendship with many people throughout his life.

“The test of every religious, political, or education system is the man which it forms” (Amiel). Gene was a good man. He will be missed.

The visitation and funeral service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saint, 2293 W. Hanley Ave, Coeur d’Alene, in the Relief Society room. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m.  The Funeral service is at 12 noon. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery, Coeur d’Alene.  English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign Gene’s guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.