Otto Francis Jensen

COLONEL (Retired) OTTO FRANCIS JENSEN, age 83, of Janesville, MN, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at his favorite place, the cottage on Lake Francis.

Otto was born in New Ulm on October 12, 1939. He was the son of Lloyd and Irene (Arnoldt) Jensen. Otto attended Janesville High School, graduating with the class of 1957. He continued his education at St. John’s University in Collegeville where he received a bachelor’s degree in social science and completed the Army ROTC program being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Branch. Otto served two years active duty in Germany and 29 years in the Army Reserve. He served in multiple command and staff positions, most notably being a Battalion Commander for the 3rd Battalion 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

On November 12, 1966, Otto was united in marriage to Evelyn Greer at St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville. In 1968 they opened Jensen’s Furniture of Distinction in Blooming Prairie which they operated for 16 years. After raising five children, they returned to his family’s home in Janesville which was built by his grandfather, Otto F. Arnoldt. Otto was an independent furniture sales representative for over 30 years until he retired.

Otto loved his family and invested much of his time in his children and grandchildren. Otto enjoyed woodworking, golfing, fishing, hunting, swimming, kayaking, tinkering and relaxing at his family cottage. He is remembered by many as a great storyteller and was always willing to visit with anyone–whether they listened or not. Otto was a devout Catholic and member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville where he often was lector during Mass. During his time in Blooming Prairie, he was a member of the City Council, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Jaycees and served as a Boy Scout Leader. When he moved to Janesville, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and American Legion. He was known as a grill master, board game “expert”, jokester, pastry connoisseur, history buff and Christmas light decorator.

Otto is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Evelyn; children: Bruce Jensen of Gilbert, AZ, Mark Jensen (Kelly Fast) of Raleigh, NC, Tim Jensen of Mankato, Cindy (Mike) Nolan of Lakeville, and Elizabeth Jensen of Byron; grandchildren: Alexandra Jensen, Katie Nolan, Krista Jensen, Emma Nolan, Sam Nolan and Dylan Jensen; siblings: Connie Kesti of Minneapolis, and Tom Jensen (Judy Huntress) of Corcoran; sisters-in-law, Colleen (Carl) Adams of Owatonna, and Karen Wallo of Santa Ana, CA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant baby sister; sisters-in-law: Marianne Cochran, and Marcia Jensen; brothers-in-law: Rod Kesti, and Jim Wallo; nephews: Jeff Cochran and Stephen Wallo; and great nephew, Matthew Kesti.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023, at St. Ann Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Schneider as Celebrant. Interment will be in St. Ann Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM and will continue until the time of the Mass at Church on Friday.

Memorials are preferred to Tunnels to Towers – www.t2t.org