Grover Jenson

Grover Elias Jenson, surrounded by his family, returned to his heavenly home on November 29, 2017.   He was greeted there by his father and mother (Grover Ephraim and Vera Lemon Jenson), his only sibling & best friend, Alton, his beloved in-laws (Bruce and LaPreal Lundgren), and one little granddaughter Taylor who ran to her grandpa to give him a big hug.  He was born in Peoa, Utah, on January 28, 1937. He lived in the same house that his father was born in and it was a homestead that carried many fond memories of his life in that beautiful valley.  His happiest moment was the day he married Lorna “DeAnn” Lundgren on September 25, 1969, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Grover served in the Utah National Guard when his unit was activated during the Berlin crisis.  He loved his army buddies there and they have maintained their friendships through yearly reunions. Grover graduated from BYU and then went on to the University of Utah to earn his master’s degree in social work.  He worked at the Utah State Hospital and Wasatch Mental Health for a total of 35 years, where he is fondly remembered for his leadership and skill as a clinician.  Grover had a positive impact on his clients as well as on his incredibly supportive staff many of whom remained lifelong friends.  Grover spent many years as a volunteer serving family and friends of the chronically mentally ill.  He and others helped to establish a local division of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI).  Grover was president of that organization for many years.  His hobbies included reading, theater, movies, and music. Grover took up scuba diving with his sons when he was 70 years old.  Grover was DeAnn’s faithful companion and her best friend. He was her caretaker on many occasions.  Grover’s church service has included bishoprics, scouting, Sunday school and High Priests. He was an especially faithful home teacher.  Grover was so proud of his four boys and their families which included 18 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Grover is survived by his wife DeAnn Jenson and their four sons, Ryan (LoriAnn McArthur), Tyler (Michelle Miller), Brandon (Tina Lanz), and Jeremy (Plonnie Taylor); 17 of his grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by Alene Smestad (sister-in-law), and Perry Smestad (nephew, son of his deceased brother). Alton was Grover’s only sibling.  He had many loving nieces and nephews and cousins. Taylor Jenson is Grover’s only deceased grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in the Park 10th Ward Chapel, 50 South 750 West (behind Mountain View HS Seminary), Orem, Utah.  A viewing for friends and family will be held Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street in Orem and on Saturday just prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and service given to our family.  We especially give thanks to Timpanogos Regional Hospital and hospice service provided by CNS and the members of the Park 10th Ward for their support and love.  In lieu of flowers, Grover would appreciate donations to NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). You may send a check to NAMI Utah County at 544 North 200 East Orem, Utah 84057.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.