Bob was born on January 11, 1949, in Richfield, Minnesota, to Ray and Esther Jensen. He grew up in a large, loving family with siblings Richard “Dick,” Judy, Diane, Barb, and Russell “Rusty.” Their home on the shores of Spring Park Bay, Lake Minnetonka, was a gathering place for many friends and extended family. He graduated from Mound Senior High School, where he was a decorated athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball.
In 1968, Bob married Sandra Lee Huff, and they had two daughters, Kimberly and Jenny. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving in communications, including deployment overseas during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge in 1972, Bob began a career in the automotive parts industry with Napco.
On August 27, 1977, Bob married Linda Erickson. Together, they built a loving home in Anoka and raised two sons, Andrew and Michael. Bob continued his career at Dana Corporation, earned an AA degree, and studied business at Metro State. He later worked in production management at ATEK and Select Comfort. He also continued to serve his country in the National Guard.
Above all else, Bob was a people person; he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether it be playing softball, golfing, coaching/attending activities and games, get-togethers with friends, and, especially, spending time with his grandkids. Bob was a lifelong football and basketball fan. A constant tinkerer, he loved building and fixing things, whether working on projects in the garage, at the cabin, or helping others. Many of Bob’s favorite moments were spent with family and friends at the cabin in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda Jensen of Champlin, daughters Kim (Rich) Norby of South St. Paul and Jenny (Otis) Jensen of Plymouth, sons Andrew (Rebecca) Jensen of White Bear Lake and Michael (Erin) Jensen of Waconia, brother Dick (Sharon) Jensen of Anoka, sisters Judy Moore and Diane Hall, both of Eden Prairie, and Barb Franke of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is also survived by grandchildren Kallie (Elijah) Mason, Jamar Roberson, Aidan, Henry, and Oliver Jensen, Bailey, Charlie, Sonny Jensen, nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Esther Jensen, and his brother Russell “Rusty” Jensen, brothers-in-law Jack Hall and John Erickson.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Woodlake at New Hope for their extraordinary care and compassion for Bob and our family during his final days.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, at the United Methodist Church of Anoka. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m.
Bob will be remembered for his quiet strength, loyalty, deep love for family, and time spent with friends. He will be dearly missed.
Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the United Methodist Church of Anoka.
A private family graveside service will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Camp Ripley.
