Ronald M. Jenson

Ronald Martin Jenson was born on September 12, 1940, to Martin and Alice (Evenstad) Jenson in Ada, MN. He grew up on a farm outside of Borup, MN, and graduated from Borup High School where he excelled in sports and band. After high school, Ron attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo worked as a small engine mechanic in Ada, and then operated a 24-hour service station also in Ada. Ron was then called to duty in the military- National Guard - and returned to Ada to continue running the service station where he happened to see a beautiful Janice Gorze pass by and caught his eye. 

Ron and Jan were united in marriage on November 2, 1963, and have shared their lives together for over 60 years raising three children, Michele, Mark, and Michael – the “3M’s”. Ron eventually left the station in Ada and went on to lead United Electric Services in Fargo ND. He held numerous positions in the UESCO company and became President/ CEO over his 40 years with the company. 

Throughout his lifetime Ron has been involved in many organizations held positions and achieved awards for his service to many. In 1976, he was named National Young Executive of the Year by 20,000 fellow members of the Auto Industry Association. He served as the Chairman of the Fargo Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years, President of the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association, Council President at Christ the King Lutheran Church, and a lifetime member of Muskies, Inc., with two fantastic muskies mounted and numerous ones released. 

Ron enjoyed watching all the activities that his children and grandchildren were involved in and did all he could to attend them. Even if they were on the other side of the country, Ron would watch the games online! He enjoyed sports, woodworking, and his amazing log-cabin lake home for many years. Ron cherished his friendships and made a point to stay in contact as much as possible. 

Perhaps Ron’s greatest achievement was becoming connected with Tamarac Wildlife Refuge. Beginning as simply a volunteer – mowing the trails, caring for the farmsteads, deer enclosure, history, and mission work, along with the addition of swans and other things. He loved every moment out in nature, introducing and teaching the children of the area about creation and wildlife. In 2017, Ron received an acknowledgment for serving 7,000 hours of volunteer work at Tamarac. The following year he was awarded “Volunteer Lifetime Achievement”. He worked tirelessly to raise millions to provide a new education space at the refuge and the Discovery Center was opened in 2015. Because of his years of work with the Friends of Tamarac Group and all that Ron had helped with in the Visitors and Discovery Center, the US Fish & Wildlife awarded him the “Silver Eagle Award” for outstanding contributions to fish & wildlife in the Great Lakes – Big River region. 

Ron and Jan have enjoyed these last few years with their new friends at Riverpointe in Moorhead. He could be heard calling BINGO a few times a week, teasing the staff pulling pranks on other residents and just plain enjoying being retired. He was very thankful for the new friends he had made as well as the past friends who would come to visit. 

Ron passed away on August 30, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center following complications from a brain bleed. He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter, Michele Jenson of Moorhead, MN; son, Mark (Mindi) Jenson of Ogema, MN; grandchildren, Joshua Hiltwein, Justin Hiltwein, Matthew Jenson, Jake Jenson and Nikolai Jenson; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Gangl and Kaylee Hiltwein; sisters, Lavonne Johnson and Marlene (Ron) Johnson; many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Alice Jenson; and one son, Michael Jenson. 

Memorials can be directed to Tamarac Wildlife Refuge in Rochert, MN, or Christ the King Lutheran Church. Both meant a great deal to Ron and therefore we wish to continue to support them in his name. 

The Celebration of Life service will be on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00 am in The Lutheran Church of Christ The King in Moorhead. A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior with burial at Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead following the reception. Ron’s service will be live-streamed here on his obituary page. The link will be posted below and will go live at 10:30 am.