Roger Jensen

Minot

Roger T. Jensen, 93, Minot, formerly of Kenmare, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in a Minot assisted living center.

Roger Theodore Jensen was born on Feb 17, 1932 to Oscar and Tilla (Johnson) Jensen. He completed 8th Grade at Rockford Township County School.

After school he worked at various odd jobs helping on the farm with his dad, his Grandpa Johnson, and uncles at their farms. He helped to dig out a Train in Tolley one winter where they filled out his info for a social security number; he might be the only native North Dakotan whose number began with a 7.

He was drafted in 1952 and served 2 years in the Army from 1952 – 1954; doing his basic training in Ft. Riley, KS. He was stationed in Korea and Japan and held the rank of Sargent.

He served on the Rockford Township Board, Rockford School Board, and the Kenmare Community Credit Union Board. Rod was confirmed at Evanger Lutheran Church and belonged to Stafford Baptist Church and Faith Baptist Church.

He met the love of his life, Annie, at the Kenmare Roller Rink. They had to move up their wedding date because of the draft and were married on May 4, 1952. They celebrated their 73rd Anniversary this year, as much in love as the day they were married and still held hands every day and night.

They were blessed with 3 children: Susan, Steven & Rhonda. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much, attending as many of their sporting, school, and church activities as possible.

They lived at Ft. Riley, KS during basic training before his deployment. After his discharge they lived in Minot for 1 year where Rod worked as a Propane Delivery driver.

They moved to the original Family Homestead in 1955; and still have the Homestead papers signed by Theodore Roosevelt. There will be 5 generations that have farmed and continue to farm on the homestead. Rod also operated a Backhoe and Sewer Pumping business with Stuart Johnson for many years.

Rod loved to hunt, fish and trap. There were trips to Canada for fishing and a moose hunt, where the antlers still hang in the office.

Hunting deer was a family tradition every fall, where special memories were made with Steve & Rhonda, Scott, Shane, Bob, Shawn, Trevor, and many nephews etc. Beaver hunting in the spring was a must.

He had a trap line with Stuart (Best Friend) Johnson which helped to supplement the farm income during lean years. He also liked to bowl, being on the Monday Night Men’s league for many years.

He loved to travel with Annie, either by car or plane with family. Going to Branson TN, Loveland CO, San Diego CA, Hawaii, and other destinations.

He was an avid Rook, Yahtzee player and enjoyed many games with family and community card parties. He especially loved playing whist with his friends after they moved to the Minot Lodge in Minot.

He was a great sports fan and followed the Kenmare Honkers, hardly missing any home or away games. The MN Twins, MN Vikings, MN Timberwolves were watched whenever they played. He was able to attend a Twins & Viking Game or 2 with Rhonda.

He is survived by his children: Susan (Jim) Chuesberg, Steve (Sharlet) Jensen, Rhonda (Tom Hegre) Johnson. Grandchildren: Roger (Emily) Chuesberg, Tiffany Wisner; Scott (Tabaya) Jensen, Stacie (Troy) Hedberg; Shawn (Jenna) Anderson, Trevor (Kayla) Johnson, Ryan (Carrie) Carlson.

Great-Grandchildren: John Blake & Lauren Chuesberg; MaKaya, Jadlyn, Adley, Kinsley & Kyen Jensen, Rylee & Landon Hedberg; Bradyn, Daxton, Harper & Luka Anderson, Keagan (mother Rachel) Berdahl, Eli & Ari Johnson. Sister: Virginia (Larry) Emmel, Brother: Dave (Candy) Jensen. Brother-in-law: Larry (Virginia) Emmel, Duane (Peggy), Doyle (Nancy) Emmel. Sister-in-law: Beverly (Steve) Berntson. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: wife of 72 years, Annie; Grandson: Shane Jensen; Son-in-laws: Daren Anderson & Robert Johnson. Parents: Oscar (Tilla & Edna) Jensen, Brother & Sister In-law: Orville & Bev Jensen. In-Laws: Herbert & Tina Emmel. Brothers-in-law: Dennis & Daryl Emmel, John Gilseth, Leon Durbin. Sister-in-Law: Eunice Gilseth, Joann Emmel. Nephews: David Durbin, Mike Emmel, Randy Jensen.

Visitation: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. until service time at the Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare.

Graveside Service: Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery, Norma.

Published by The Minot Daily News July 18, 2025.