I know of him more from his association with his wife, former SDGOP National Committeewoman Mary Jean Jensen, but word comes that former Republican State Senator Eldon Jensen of Lemmon passed away this last Friday, June 6th. Eldon served in the Senate for 4 years, from 1977 through 1980.
According to his obituary, Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon, SD. Rev. Allen Wickstrom will officiate and burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Prince of Peace Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.
Please keep Mary Jean and her family in your prayers in their time of loss.
Mr. Senator Jensen was a swell fellow. Back in the day, grudznick had some opportunities up in the community area where the petrified woods are common. More than a few breakfasts with Eldon helped educate many. He will be missed, indeed. He and Ms. Mary Jean had a scholarship thing running for kids from the region, and any of you old fellows who remember Mr. Jensen might consider contributing to that as you see fit.
Eldon was a witty guy. He served with Sen Milt Nelson, Sen Wendell Hanson and himself as the self-proclaimed “Norwegian caucus”.
When my son and I played every golf course in state, we stayed with Eldon and MaryJean. We got in late, but they had a pan of lasagna for a late dinner waiting. We left early, the Lemon clubhouse was closed when we got there and started. When we finished and went to pay – too late! Eldon had been there and treated us .
Good people RIP