David Russell Jensen

A dynamic force was stilled when David Russell Jensen, age 83, of Saginaw, MN, passed away on August 24, 2026, for the glorious beyond after a four year struggle with leukemia. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, MN, at 11 AM with a reception to follow. A visitation will occur one hour prior to the service. 

The first grandchild of August and Gladys Jensen born to Stanley and Dorothy(Towne) Jensen on November 16, 1942 on the Jensen homestead in Walloon Lake, Michigan where he was then raised. David’s mother often related the story of Grandpa Jensen continuing to come into the house to ask…has my grandchild been born yet? David often spoke of the special bond he had with his Grandpa Jensen who in fact willed the homestead to David when he passed, which was a Swedish tradition. In turn, David willed the estate back to his Grandmother Gladys. This was so typical of him…always ensuring the well being of others.

Being raised and sharing the many work responsibilities on the homestead instilled a love of the land and the great appreciation of the outdoors in David which is where he always found solace and spiritual peace. David loved hunting and fishing especially with his family. He hunted Alaska with his youngest son who was 10 at the time from where they brought back multiple big game trophies that David proudly displayed in his den. What great stories were told about that adventure.

An entrepreneur at heart David owned and operated several retail businesses in both Michigan and Minnesota. Prior to relocating to Minnesota David served in law enforcement for the state of Michigan. He often shared the many stories and took great pride in being an officer. David retired in 2010 from commercial and residential real estate sales in Duluth.

To carry on his legacy he leaves his wife of 44 years, LynnRae; daughter Christine (Dan) Atkison; son Robert (Tami); son Shawn (Denise): daughter Tracey (Paul Charpentier) Jensen; sister Nancy (Bob) Perry; precious grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and extended family.

David was preceded in death by his father Stanley, mother Dorothy and brother Larry.

The family extends their special thanks to Moments Hospice, the St. Luke’s oncology and infusion teams and the compassionate Dr. Krishna Kolandaivel, the ICU and 4 west nursing teams. The family is forever beholding to Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt for his enduring care and presence through the years.