Dean Jensen of North Platte passed away at Bryan West in Lincoln on October 3, 2023, at age 81.
Dean, the son of Carl and Mary Jensen, was born June 29, 1942, in Gothenburg, where he grew up. He attended country school, then went on to graduate from Gothenburg High School. In March 1964, Dean enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served until July 1968.
While still in the Navy, Dean married Margaret Campbell on November 11, 1967, at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte. They lived in Long Beach, CA, then returned to North Platte following his discharge.
Dean worked in the Press Room at the North Platte Telegraph before hiring on at the Gerald Gentleman Station as a Control Room Operator. He worked there until retiring.
Dean was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, Big Red Football, and NASCAR racing. He loved making salsa and earned the name "Jalapeno Deano" for his creations. Dean also loved the 4th of July and would host friends and family for a big 4th of July block party.
He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents.
Dean is survived by his daughters, Kristi Smith of Omaha and Kari Jensen of North Platte; granddaughters, Kaitlin and Chloe Smith; his sister, Rochelle (Ralph) Jung of Colorado; brothers, Brad Jensen of Colorado and Doug Jensen of Cozad; as well as other family.
Cremation was chosen. Services will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10, at Odean Colonial Chapel. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to the family for a bench at Cody Park.