John Gearhardt Jensen

John and his wife, Arlene, resided in Kent, Washington. Married for 58 years, she never left his side during his final days. Born August 21, 1936 to James and Wilma Jensen, John spent his childhood in Portland, Oregon with his three brothers [Alvin Hickman (Gladys Hickman, deceased), James Jensen, Richard Jensen (Zoraida Jensen] and his sister [Cecelia Bowe (Montague Bowe)]. He loved to tell stories of his days as a paperboy and the mischief he made with his friends and siblings. John is preceded in death by brothers James and Richard, while Cecelia and Alvin both reside in Southern California.

After high school, John enlisted with the Army where he proudly served for three years, including a Field Communications Crewman post in Germany. He cherished his memories of military service and travel around Europe during this time, including an especially delightful trip to Italy. Upon his honorable discharge, John returned to Portland where he attended courses at the local community college, took up weightlifting and Judo, and converted to Catholicism. At a social group for young, single Catholics he met Arlene Seida. John and Arlene married on November 20, 1965, and went on to have three children: Mark Jensen (Pamina Haddock), Barbara Caballero (Gabriel Caballero), and Diane Shivitz (Tom Shivitz). John’s employer, AT&T, prompted the family’s relocation to Kent, Washington in 1976. He was exceptionally proud of the many years he spent with the company as a quality control manager, a position that he held until retirement in his mid-50s.

John had many interests outside of work. He and Arlene tended a large garden and many fruit trees on their property, which yielded much of the family’s food during the warmer months. He also enjoyed playing games, woodworking, home maintenance and improvement projects, weightlifting, and long walks. Above all else was John’s love for God and family. He and Arlene attended St. Mary’s Parish in Tacoma, Washington. There he was a devoted parishioner, attending many services and social functions, as well as donating his time and talents to supporting the church. He also cherished spending time with his wife, three children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and his extended family including nieces and nephews at large summer family reunion trips.

The family of John Gearhardt Jensen invites you to attend the following events in remembrance of both him and his wife's, Arlene's life on Monday, February 26:

10:30 Rosary St. Mary’s Parish, 757 138th Street South, Tacoma, WA

11:00 Joint Funeral Mass for John and Arlene St. Mary’s Parish

2:00 Committal Service for John at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th, Kent, WA

2:30 Committal Service for Arlene at Tahoma

3:15 Reception Service at Nikki's Restaurant, 27120 174th Pl SE, Covington, WA