Niels David Jensen

Niels David Jensen, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away on June 1, 2017 in his home at the Army Residence Community after a ten year battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born to Albert B. Jensen and Mildred Combs Jensen on November 24, 1937, in Edinburg, Texas.

Niels was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Albert Don Jensen. He is survived by Melodye Ann Jensen, his loving wife of 49 years, three children and their families, including eight grandchildren: Kirsten Elise Skiles of Coppell, Texas, and her husband, Ted Allen Skiles, and their three children: Duncan, Elise, and Collette; Britta Karina Martin, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, and her husband, Kevin Charles Martin, and their three children: Devynn, Jensen, and Trevor; and Kristoffer Niels Jensen, of Boerne, Texas, and his wife, Allison Schreiber Jensen, and their sons, Ethan and Carter. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Lou Bell, and her son Kenneth Bell, of Biloxi, Mississippi.

Niels held a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Academy, Class of 1962, and an MBA from Webster University. Niels earned a Purple Heart while serving 18 months as a combat pilot in Vietnam. He also flew missions in support of combat actions in the Dominican Republic, Republic of the Congo, Panama Canal, and Cyprus. During his career, he received numerous medals and distinctions.

After serving in the Air Force for 20 years Niels moved his family to Helotes and began his second career as a research analyst for Frost National Bank, progressing to marketing director for Kelly Field National Bank, then associate manager of the San Antonio City Employees Credit Union. The remainder of his career was spent as investment manager for the Air Force Services Agency. As investment manager, he managed the Retirement Funds, Construction Fund, Insurance Fund, and the working capital funds with market value of $1.3 billion.

During his 35 years in Helotes he was an active member of Helotes Hills United Methodist Church and an integral part of the community. In Helotes he served on the Helotes Hills Methodist Church Administrative Board, was an initial member of the Helotes Optimist Board, served seven years on the Helotes City Council, and was a member of the Helotes Planning and Zoning Committee and Board of Adjustments. In the San Antonio area, he was an adjunct professor of accounting for Vista College and a lecturer at St. Phillips College. Niels also served on numerous boards such as the YMCA, NISD Vocational Education Board, NISD Health Careers selection committee, Military Advisory Board to the Chamber of Commerce, and Boy Scouts of America.

Niels was a college athlete, an avid outdoor sportsman, and a lover of nature. He lived his life serving his country, family, community, and church. He loved his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Army Residence Center Chapel. A small, private, family internment will be at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, with full military honors at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J Fox foundation through www.michaeljfox.org.