Melbourne Jensen

Melbourne H. Jensen, 100, of Twin Falls, Idaho, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016 in Orem, Utah.  He was born in Rockland, Idaho, March 16, 1916 to Henry H Jensen and Laura Ivy May.  He married Elva Smith on August 26, 1941 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.  She preceded him in death February 22, 2006.

Mel lived his younger years in Rockland.  When he was in the second grade the family moved to Bellingham, Washington where his father would take him and his sister, Ione, on his work trips around the Pacific Northwest where they would camp their way through his father's sales areas.  The family moved to Twin Falls when Mel was 9, where he spent the rest of his youth.  Mel graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1934 and attended college at Idaho State University.  He served in the U.S. Army in the Coast Artillery branch serving in New Orleans, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas.  He was discharged as a Captain.  After the war he and Elva settled in Twin Falls where he worked as a salesman for Falk's Department Store, Sears and Cains, Inc. where he was a partner in charge of the furniture and service departments.  In 1965 he invested in Redfish Lake Lodge as a part owner and served as the corporation's treasurer. After retiring from Cains he worked in Real Estate before retiring in 1975.  He never retired from life and kept active.  He loved the outdoors and all things related to being outside.  After selling Redfish, he purchased land and cabins in the Sawtooth Recreation Area and developed it into a special retreat for him and his family.  He loved to hunt and fish and spend as much time at the cabins as possible.

Mel also was an accomplished fiddler and violin player.  He started playing the violin at age six and didn't stop playing until he could know longer hold it up properly around the age of 95.  He had to make a choice between playing professionally and his family.  He chose his family but continued to play for funerals, weddings, musical theater and family events.  Mel was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mel is survived by his four children: Dr. Stephen Jensen of Palm Harbor, FL; Christine (Arlo) Richardson of Greeley, CO; Cynthia (Robin) Conk of Saratoga Springs, UT; Scott (Carrie) Jensen of Springville, UT; 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Ione and grandson Phillip.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 23 at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Church located at 847 Eastland Dr. N. in Twin Falls.  A viewing will be held Friday, July 22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at White Mortuary, "Chapel by the Park," and prior to the funeral services Saturday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the LDS Chapel on Eastland.  Burial will be at the Sunset Memorial Park with military rites by Idaho National Guard and Magic Valley Honor Guard.

A FALLEN LIMB

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don't worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we're together again.

Author Unknown