Russ K. Jensen

Russell Kenneth Jensen, the son of John and Tena (Nielsen)) Jensen, was born on November 14, 1928, at his grandparents’ house in Humboldt, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Bode, grades 1 through 8 at Delana #8 and graduated from Bode High School in 1946.

Russ started farming in 1950 before being drafted into the United States Army on July 17, 1951 – with basic training at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas, then stationed in Pusan, Korea for 18 months and was honorably discharged on June 25, 1953. He resumed farming in 1954.

On August 8, 1954, Russ was united in marriage to Diane Wurch at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Webster City. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2018.

Russ was on the Bode Coop Elevator Board of Directors for 15 years, 5 years at Farm Egg Corp and also served on the Humboldt County Conservation Board for 5 years. He was also an active member of the Humboldt Historical Society, Humboldt Genealogy, American Trapshooters Association, Palmer Gun Club, Bode American Legion and V.F.W. Post 5240 in Dakota City.

Russ enjoyed trap shooting, fishing, woodworking and made many keepsakes for his family, including cradles, rocking chairs, rocking horses and gun cabinets. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Through the years, he enjoyed coffee with friends at many establishments in the area, as well as Bingo, cards, and Domino’s in more recent years. Many will remember his deep appreciation of his Danish heritage.

Russ passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital, at the age of 97 years and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane; parents; infant brother, Kenneth Jensen; grandson, Shane Jensen; great grandson, Parker Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Michelle Jensen and brother-in-law, Orlin Olson.

Survivors include his children: Gary Jensen (Missy Odor) of Humboldt, Allen Jensen (Shelley) of Livermore, Dale Jensen (Susie) of Humboldt and Carol Hardy (Rick) of Norwalk; 11 grandchildren: Jenna (Nate), James (Ashlee), Joe, Kaitlyn, Spencer (Anthony), Kevin (Heather), Leigh (Brendan), Chris, Mike, Ricky and Chrissy; 23 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; brother, Roger Jensen (Mary) of Humboldt; sister, Mildred Olson of Fort Dodge and his very special friend and companion, Phyllis Johnson of Humboldt.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, 11:00 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode. Visitation is Friday, 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt. Burial with Military Honors in Union Cemetery, Humboldt.

Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.