Leon E. Jensen, 90, peacefully passed away December 7, 2018. Leon was born in Plainview, Nebraska, to Carl and Lucille Jensen on December 18, 1927. Leon graduated from Plainview High School in 1945. He played professional baseball for a short time with the Philadelphia Phillies “Farm” league team as a pitcher. He attended Norfolk Junior College in 1945 until joining the Navy in 1946. He married Jeanine Hawk in 1949, giving birth to their son, Steven Lee, in 1951, who both precede him in death. Leon married Virginia Prince in 1953. From this marriage they welcomed two daughters, Jodi and Tami. Leon farmed, was a feed salesman, and started his own café in Plainview. In 1962 they moved to Denver, where he worked in real estate until he was hired by the Ralston Purina Company as a district sales manager. In 1969 the family moved to Grand Junction. In 1974 he purchased West Slope Ag Center in Olathe, CO, from which he retired 27 years later. During this time he married Helen Williams in 1983.
He was an avid sports fan of the Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Cornhuskers. He enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing. His hobbies also included horse racing, stock car racing, and gambling. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Leon is survived by his wife of 35 years, Helen; daughters, Jodi Jensen, and Tami (Brad) Franklin; and his bonus children, Leslie (Eldon) Handke and Lance (Michelle) Williams. He has six grandchildren, Christopher (Heidi), Amber (Brian), Jessica (Erick), Brandon (Monika), Aaron, and Jordan. He has five great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Kassidy, Tanner, Brooke, and Jace.
Services are Thursday, December 13, at 2:00 pm at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. Burial will follow at a later date.
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