Douglas Jensen

Douglas Jensen, age 69, died Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Sr James Care Center in Yankton. A private family service is being planned.

Douglas Jensen was born on November 12, 1954 in Yankton, SD. He attended Yankton Schools and that is where he met the love of his life and his future wife at a high school dance in the fall of 1971. He started out his adult career in Auto Parts. Doug worked at several auto parts stores in Yankton prior to starting at the City of Yankton in 1986 until he retired 32 years later.

Doug had many hobbies throughout his life. He liked to golf (was on a golf league for many years), bowl (was on many bowling leagues), did a lot of camping, fishing and was an avid NASCAR fan plus enjoyed many NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) races at Brainerd, MN and LasVegas. During football season, he cheered on his favorite team the SF 49ers which he went to many games plus got to see a home game. Doug loved tinkering on cars and spent a lot of time working on his pride and joy, a 31 Chevy Coupe hotrod. He always enjoyed hanging out with the guys and talking about cars. He loved all the car shows and car cruises and enjoyed meeting new people at the events. He was awarded many trophies for his hotrod at the car shows.

Doug’s other passion in life was the military. He enlisted in the SD Army National Guard, Yankton Charlie Battery in 1976. He did his basic training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Doug retired 24 years later as an ammo section chief. He was proud when his son, Mark and grandson, Kobe both joined the military. His military family was a big part of his life and he always kept in touch with all the soldiers, even after retiring.

Doug will always be remembered for his warm and outgoing personality, great sense of humor and quick wit. He always had a way of making everyone smile and laugh. His faith was strong, even when he endured major health struggles with brain cancer. He was a great husband, father and grandfather and will be missed.   

Doug is survived by his wife, Marge; son, Doug Jr (Brandi), Sioux Falls; son, Mark (Steph) Sioux Falls; granddaughters, Kinley and Kylie, Sioux Falls and grandson Kobe (Abby) Jensen, Worthing, SD.