Donald Jensrud

Donald (Don) Edwin Jensrud, age 86, of Crookston, MN, passed away August 7, 2016 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Don was born on June 13, 1930 in Crookston, MN to Gilbert and Eva Chapman Jensrud. He attended country school and obtained his GED from Crookston Central in 1984. He married Alma Desrosier in 1951 and together they had 7 children. In 1981, he married Geri Dalrymple, gaining 2 more children and together they raised their joint family. Throughout his life Don lived in various Minnesota communities, but Crookston was where he always considered his home. Don had various jobs, but he was a farmer by heart. He also owned Jensrud and Son Trucking Company, and worked at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception until his retirement. After retirement, he drove school bus for many years. Don joined the Crookston National Guard in 1947 along with his brothers and other local friends and relatives. He was a sergeant during the Korean War serving as a training sergeant in Alabama and was honorably discharged from the military in 1952. He belonged to the American Legion, Trinity Lutheran Church, and was an active member of the Hafslo Lutheran Cemetery Association, spending time helping with upkeep and mowing for many years. Don loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Many people remember Don as being their bus driver. He loved children and had a helpful heart. He would help any child that needed a hand, whether it was a neighbor or a stranger. Don had a strong love of music. He would be seen many times playing the harmonica or guitar at family gatherings. He taught many others to play as well. Don also loved to dance, especially at the American Legion on Friday nights. In retirement, "Donnie" could be seen at RBJs or McDonald's enjoying his morning coffee with many of his lifelong friends. Donald is survived by his children, Merle (Kim) Jensrud of New Rockford, ND, Bonnie (John) Bjorsness of New Folden, MN, LaVonne Brown of Grand Forks, ND, Curt (Betty) Jensrud of Farmington, MN, Monica (Ralph) Nicklay of Moorhead, MN, Bill (Wendi) Dalrymple of Crookston, MN, Sharon (Dave) DeNiear of Golden, CO, Leslie (Kevin) Altepeter of Crookston, MN, and Randy Jensrud of Crookston, MN; 2 brothers: Ervin (Margaret) Jensrud of Litchfield, MN and Jack (Sue) Jensrud of Ada, MN; 4 sisters: Agnes Demarais of Monticello, MN, Shirley Johnsen of White Bear Lake, MN, Vi (Ralph) Kaus of Bemidji, MN, and Charlotte (George) Smith/Sparrow of Isanti, MN; sixteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Donald is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; mother and father-in-law, J. Sherman and Ethel Olsen; son-in-law, Gene Brown; brothers: Orville, Marvin, Harvey, and Duane; and other relatives who have passed beforehand in the family.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Service
Friday, August 12, 2016
cemetery
Friday, August 12, 2016