Lee Jensen

Lionel Lee Jensen, age 92, of Neola, passed away February 25, 2016. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, including his children, great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. He was born November 28, 1923 in Neola, Utah to Lionel C. and Ruth Blazzard Jensen. He attended school in Neola and high school at Roosevelt High and graduated in 1942. He attended one year of college before being drafted into the army. He married Mary Geneil Cummings in the Salt Lake Temple June 25, 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his discharge from the army, Lee and Geneil bought property in Neola, the place he has always called home. Lee's beloved Geneil passed away March 9, 2003. What a great example he was of hard work and perseverance. He has continued to stay active taking care of his home, yard, and garden.
As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he has served in many capacities during his life. He has served as a Bishop, Stake President, and Temple Sealer. He and Geneil served as missionaries in the Whiterocks Indian Mission where they loved their fellow missionaries and the people they were called to teach. Over seven decades, he also held many leadership roles in his congregation.
As a citizen he served well and honorably during World War II. One of his last duties was guarding atop one of the tall buildings of San Francisco as he viewed President Truman and other dignitaries that came to sign the UN Charter and formed the United Nations in 1945. Lee loved his country. He believed in its boundless opportunities and worked tirelessly to fulfill the "American Dream." He worked many jobs off the farm to pay for the farm. He worked as a sawyer, carpenter, bread deliveryman, and owned a service station with his brother, Neill Jensen in Duchesne. For several years he ran sheep and a dairy operation. In 1965 he sold the dairy and went into Black Angus cattle ranching. Lee and Geneil were named Duchesne County Cattlemen of the year in 1971. Lee retired from ranching at the age of 75. He also served for several years on the Moon Lake Electric Board and Duchesne County Hospital Board.
As a husband, father, and grandfather, he provided unwavering support. He demonstrated the values he taught - loyalty, hard work, the pursuit of knowledge, and independence. He supported his family in their times of need, encouraged them, and in his unique way, fiercely loved those he held dear. His actions spoke volumes when the words were difficult.
Lee is survived by two daughters, Jerilyn (Stanley) Mathis, Castle Dale and Maurine (Lance) Luck, Neola. He is the grandparent of 4 girls: Richele Holdaway, Audrey Crozier, Natalee Madsen, and Kassie Timothy, and the grandparent of 4 boys: Murray Mathis, Maclain Luck, Austin Luck, and Trevor Luck. He is the great-grandparent of 24, and great-great-grandparent of 4. Lee is also survived by his brother, Neill (Barbara) Jensen, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Geneil, sister Phyllis Wardle, brother Dahl Ray Jensen, nephew Laron Wardle, nephew Kirk Copelan, niece Shauna Lee Bullock, and great-great-grandson Daniel Frank Pezcuh Jr.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Neola LDS Chapel where a viewing will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Burial will be in the Neola Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #64 and the Utah Honor Guard.