Orlin Merle Jenson, left this world in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on July 9, 2022.
Orlin Merle Jenson was born on August 24, 1941, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and he was the first of two sons of Orvin “Obe” and Mabel (Anderson) Jenson. Later in life Orlin was nick-named “JJ” by his friends.
Raised in rural Grand Forks county, in Brenna township, Orlin and his brother Gene helped their father and mother on their family farm. Orlin enjoyed various activities, but all his life he especially enjoyed the outdoors.
Orlin graduated from East Grand Forks High School in 1960 at age 18, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army into the 82nd Airborne Paratroopers. He was a brave soldier, attaining ES sergeant in a fast amount of time. He enlisted a second time knowing he would be going into Vietnam. He willingly sacrificed his life to be on the frontlines going into the jungles of Vietnam. Later he was caught in an ambush wounded in action by a hand grenade. He received a Purple Heart with a Honorable Discharge.
Orlin married a Canadian lady name Alexandra (“Sandy”) Young from Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1967 at rural Bygland Lutheran Church, southeast of East Grand Forks, MN. Orlin and Alexandra had two sons, Sean and Kevin.
He started his own home siding company called Mr. Siding and continued in the trade for 35 years. In 1983 he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, to continue his trade and enjoying hunting, fishing and mining for gold. Orlin was married a second time in Anchorage, Alaska, to Joanne Hill for 22 years.
Orlin is predeceased by his parents Orvin “Obe” and Mabel (Anderson) Jenson, of East Grand Forks, MN; first wife Alexandra (Young) Jenson, and his second wife Joanne Hill-Jenson.Orlin is survived by his two sons, Sean Jenson of Grand Forks, ND; Kevin (Liezel) Jenson, and their 4 children, Joshua, Jaden, Jarren and Janea of Winnipeg, MB Canada; his only brother, Gene Jenson of Coon Rapids, MN; his neice & nephew (of first wife) Sherry & Andrew Brown of Winnipeg, MB; his niece (of second wife) Lyndsie Marsh of Sidney, IL.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Gospel Outreach Church, Grand Forks.
