Allen “Al” Jenson, age 77, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 7th, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo, ND, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th, at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine with the Rev. Pam Thorson officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Erskine. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, October 16th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Erskine. There will also be a one-hour review prior to the service on Saturday afternoon at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 of Erskine and the Army National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine, and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
Allen Ray Jenson was born on December 8, 1948, in Altona, Manitoba, Canada, to parents Clayton and Della (Karel) Jenson. At the age of three, he moved with his family to Erskine, where he attended and graduated from Erskine High School in 1966. After high school, he went on to attend Northland Technical College in Thief River Falls, graduating in 1968. He then continued his education at Mayville State University, where he graduated in 1971 with a Major in Physical Education and Health and a Minor in Mathematics.
Shortly after his graduation from college, Allen entered the United States Army. He faithfully served his country in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After receiving his honorable discharge in June of 1972, he returned home to Erskine to help on the family farm.
In 1973, Allen and his brother Dwaine started the Erskine Pallet Company. He owned and operated the company until 2001, when he sold it and retired. He went on to serve as the Gambling Manager for the local American Legion Post, a role he faithfully held for the next 25 years.
On May 21, 1983, Allen was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Liz” Mayer at the United Methodist Church in Erskine. Together, they built a life in Erskine and raised their three children: Camillia, Jerrod, and Ashley.
Allen was always very active in his church and community. He was a member of the Erskine United Methodist Church and Grace Lutheran Church, serving on boards of both congregations during his life. He also dedicated many years to serving his community as a member of the Erskine Volunteer Fire Department. He was a life member of the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 of Erskine, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) of Crookston, and the VFW Post #1260 of Bemidji. His dedication to serving others and giving back to his community was an important part of who he was.
For anyone who knew Allen, it was no secret that sports were his lifelong passion. He played on many teams in a variety of sports and also enjoyed watching games on television. His athletic career gave him many treasured memories, including competing in Minnesota State Amateur basketball and softball, and playing softball in the Metrodome. Among his proudest achievements were being part of four state championship basketball teams and a fast-pitch softball team that finished as state runner-up.
Allen will be remembered for his incredible work ethic (he never missed a day of work, even when sick), his infectious smile, and the way that he cared for his family and his community. His greatest pride and joy was his family. He loved his wife and kids, and after 8 grandsons, he was blessed with a granddaughter who shares his namesake. He was further blessed with 5 great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Liz, of Erskine; three children, Camillia (Mike) Thompson of Bejou, MN, Jerrod (Nicole) Hoaas of Fargo, ND, and Ashley (Mike) Lannen of Grand Forks, ND; nine grandchildren, Trevor (Merissa) Hoaas, Jakson (Sherokee) Knutson, Noah Knutson, Kale Hoaas, Aylin Hoaas, Logan Lannen, Cullen Lannen, Tarek Lannen and Jenson Rey Lannen; five great grandchildren, Charolett, Alora and Blake Hoaas, and Calliope and Atreus Knutson; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Jenson of Erskine and Geraldine Jenson of Detroit Lakes, MN. Nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Daryl, Dwaine, Ardis, and Curt.
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