Harry & Rosetta Jensen

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Harry and Rosetta Jensen Harry Jensen was born in Mink Creek, Idaho on January 26, 1891. He was a very tiny baby, weighing about 2 pounds. His twin sister, Hannah, seemed quite healthy but they felt great concern for Harry's life. Hannah, however, died of pneumonia a month after birth but Harry grew to be strong and healthy. The first part of his life was spent in a shoebox lined with cotton on the oven door of the coal stove under the watchful eye of his mother. As a young man he herded sheep in the mountains and in his spare time he studied the scriptures and gained a testimony of the Gospel. After joining the Church at the age of nineteen he was asked to go on a mission, but because of his father's feelings toward the Church, his father wouldn't support him, so the call was turned down. When he was 26, he again received a call and by now his testimony was strong enough to know the Lord would help him if he did his best. He made arrangements to be supported by a bank, he'd pay back the loan after he returned home. As he left home for his mission his father gave him a hundred dollars though. He records in his diary: "My farewell dance was held June 27, 1919. I received as a missionary fund sixty-seven dollars. I left home July 7th at about 9 AM. I rode with Hans in his Ford. Dan and his wife and Pearl came down in the Studebaker. I left Preston in company with Elder Melvin J. Keller and his mother at 5: 15 o'clock pm ... July 8th I was set apart and given my instructions for a mission to the Western States. Sixty-three Elders and lady missionaries were set apart this day. Wednesday, the 9th of July, I went through the Temple and at 5:25 PM was on my way over the UPRR for Denver." November 16, 1919, he was chosen to take Elder Poulton's place as President of the Denver Conference and was set apart by John L. Herrick and President John M. Knight. He served in this position for the remainder of his mission, which was twenty months. When he was released to come home Harold B. Lee was chosen as Harry's replacement. Soon after being released from his mission he married Sarah Rosetta Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Mink Creek. They were very happy but it often was hard to make ends meet. During the depression he rode a horse, when he had one, or walked five miles to work at the Oneida Power Plant and earn a dollar a day and was very happy for the job. In his patriarchal blessing he was told that he had been blessed with the gift of healing. Neighbors and family members often called on him to administer to them when they were ill and were very appreciative of the healing power he had. Harry had many faith promoting experiences throughout his life, which strengthened his testimony. In the year 1926, a barbed wire ran through his eye and pierced the eyeball, which caused him months of suffering and temporary blindness. Miracle drugs were not available in those days and Rosetta hot packed his eye for hours. She would hot pack it for an hour and then not for an hour and then hot pack again, day after day. But his eye got infection and his condition worsened. One day while in the hospital, the eye specialist told him that his eye must be taken out because it could never be healed and would soon infect his other eye. He felt, however, that through the faith he had in the power of the Priesthood, his eye could be healed so he refused the operation. Finally, the doctor consented to postpone the operation and let him return home for two days. A day of fasting and prayer was called in the Mink Creek Ward in his behalf, and those holding the Priesthood administered to him. Through his faith in the Lord and the prayers of others, his eye was healed completely and he never consulted his doctor again. One day as he was bringing a new calf from the pasture to the barn, Dennie Jensen was playing in Aunt Dora's field and he called out, "Uncle Harry, how much will you take for the calf?" "Oh, fifty cents," was the reply. In a few minutes Dennie was at the door with fifty cents. Harry took the money and let Dennie have the calf. Dennie took real good care of it and, as the weeks passed, Harry talked often to Dennie about his calf. He was a good farmer and carpenter. He became very skillful at irrigating. The sidehills were a challenge because the water tended to run straight down in gullies, taking away the topsoil in some places and leaving other areas dry. Harry was very patient and skillful at controlling the water, his fields were evenly green and were devoid of gullies. Harry was secretary of the irrigation company for many years. It was his job to assign water turns. He was often the peaceful arbitrator of water disputes. To ease the problems he assigned himself the least desirable turns when possible. He enjoyed irrigating in his high gumboots accompanied by his faithful dog. He built many of the houses and barns in Mink Creek, and did a lot of building repairs for others. He also cut hair for many of the neighbors. His barbering was at their convenience and at no cost to them. Because of his great faith and his gift of healing, many people made comments to the effect that if he should ever die, his life would have to end in a fast accident because his faith was so strong he would have to be healed any other way. And so it was on a beautiful Saturday morning, October 27, 1945, he went whistling out to his daily work. He talked to each member of the family as he passed them on his way to repair a wagon. A farmer must spend as much time repairing his equipment as using it and this particular Saturday morning was a repairing day. He planned to repair a hayrack and while working underneath it, the braces slipped and the hayrack fell on him. A bolt hit him on his temple. He also had a bruise on the back of his hand. Uncle Frank and Varon came to help him work and found him dead. The doctor declared he had died instantly. His funeral was held in the Mink Creek Ward on November the first. Winter set in that day; he was buried in the Mink Creek cemetery during a terrible snowstorm. He was greatly missed by the entire ward. He had always been active in the ward. He served as a counselor to Bishop Willard Nelson, and had held leadership and teaching positions in Sunday School, MIA, and the Priesthood Quorums. He also did a lot of temple work. He was kind and found much joy in offering his services whenever he could help in church positions or just as a good friend and neighbor. Harry's passing was a terrible shock to Rosetta but her testimony of the Gospel and knowledge of the Eternal Plan of Salvation sustained her and she had the strength to go ahead with many of the plans and dreams they had shared. Rosetta stayed on the farm for seven years after his death and then sold the farm and bought a home in Logan. After spending her whole life in Mink Creek she felt very lonely to move away from the home she and her husband had built together. She did feel the Lord had a hand in helping her find a new home in the Logan Seventh Ward where the people were so very friendly to her. They recognized her love for children and called her to be a primary teacher; she also worked in various positions in the Relief Society. On October 6, 1978, thirty-three years after her beloved husband's death, Rosetta suffered a stroke and died. Her funeral was held at the Hall Mortuary in Logan, on October 9, and she was laid to rest in the Mink Creek Cemetery next to Harry. Eight children were born to Harry and Rosetta, two of them, Opal born June 8, 1933, and Harry Junior born October 24, 1943, died in infancy. Margie was the first child of Harry and Rosetta, born 7 February 1923. Because it was winter and roads were bad, Grandma Jensen invited Rosetta to stay with her in Preston where she could get better care, so Margie was born at Grandma's house and Grandma was so good to them. Being the oldest, Margie was really her mother's little helper. Rosetta's legs were bad and she didn't have very good health, so Rosetta often referred to Margie as her legs. After graduating from Preston High School, Margie attended college at Pocatello for two years where she earned a teaching certificate. While attending college she met John Worley and while he served a mission to the Eastern States, she taught school in Inkom, Idaho. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple 24 September 1945. John was an officer in the army and they lived for a short time in Tyler, Texas, until John was sent to Germany and Margie returned home and taught school in Preston. After John was discharged from the army they made their home in Salt Lake City. They have always enjoyed activity in the Church. Margie has served in various positions in all of the auxiliaries, most recently as Ward Librarian and Primary Teacher. They have four children, Joan, Kenneth, Diane, and Cynthia. They also have two granddaughters. Rodney was born in Mink Creek 14 September 1924. Just before he was born, Harry and Rosetta bought a gas washer. It had to be cranked, so Rosetta did her washing when Harry was close by so he could start it for her. She was so happy for this new convenience. Up to this time she had done all her washing on a washboard. Rodney was a typical farmer, he loved the land and he loved the canyon where he often went with his dad and Max for wood. He fulfilled a mission to the Northern States. He went with the first group of missionaries that was called at the close of World War II. On October 23, 1947, he married Virginia Seamons. They lived on the family farm in Mink Creek until 1966 when they moved to Preston. Rodney served in many Church and civic positions during his life. He was Bishop of the Mink Creek Ward for five years, he served as a counselor in the Preston South Stake Presidency, as President of the Cache Valley Council Boy Scouts of America, and in 1976 he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for service by the Cache Valley Council. For eighteen years he worked with the Farm Bureau. He died at his home in Preston 20 December 1979, after several years of illness and suffering. His funeral was held at the Preston South Stake Center and he was buried in the Mink Creek Cemetery next to his parents. He was the father of six children, Sheldon, Bruce, Steven, Stanford, Paul, and Tamara. At the time of this writing there are seven grandchildren. Max was born 7 October 1926 in Mink Creek. He was a very patient and lovable little boy. Max was a lover of animals and had lots of fun on the farm. One time he found a cute little "kitten" tied a string around its neck and brought it to show his dad. His dad was slightly started because the little black "kitten" had a white stripe down its back. Max had an adventurous spirit and while in high school he took flying lessons and earned his pilot's license. During the war he served in the Air Corp. He graduated from Preston High School and attended college in Pocatello, University of Utah, and Utah State in civil engineering. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State and has worked for the Idaho State Highway Department since. He married Hilma Orton in 1953, four children were born to them: Karen, Connie, David, and Linda. Hilma died of cancer in 1967. Max took care of his children alone for 5 years, then 26 January 1973 he married Marie Olsen in the Logan Temple, she brought three boys, Dean, Larry, and Kenneth to the family, then 7 January 1974 Brian was born to Max and Marie making a total of eight children. Max has always been active in the Church. He served a mission in North Dakota and Montana and has held many positions in the Church. He was Executive Secretary in the Boise North Stake for many years and is presently Bishop of the Boise 20th Ward. He has seven grandchildren. Juanita was born 22 November 1929 in Mink Creek. She was a little peacemaker, never wanting anyone to feel bad, so she was constantly doing nice things for those around her. She made lots of doll clothes for her younger sisters and enjoyed helping around the house. She graduated from Preston High School and Utah State University. After graduation she taught school in Brigham City and on an army base in Germany. Shortly after returning from Germany she received a call to the Netherlands Mission where she faithfully served for eighteen months. In 1958 she married Madison Morrell and while he attended a university in New York, she taught school in Harlem. They moved to Mt. Vernon, Washington, where she and her husband have constantly been missionaries. They enjoy very much introducing their friends to the Gospel. She has served on many civic committees and has always been very active in the Church. She is the mother of seven children, one son, Douglas died shortly after birth. Her six living children are Ronald, Barbara, Beverly, Becky, Roger, and Richard. Carolyn was born 6 September 1934 in Mink Creek. Her growing up years were fun on the farm. Climbing around on Jensen Hill and gathering flowers was especially enjoyable to her. Lots of times, as she sat on the hill next to her father, they would talk of the beauties of nature. When they would come close to the fence on the hill, Harry would stop the team while Carolyn gathered flowers to take home to her mother. Shortly after her graduation from Preston High School, the family moved to Logan, Utah, where she attended Utah State University for three years. While at Utah State she met and married Clair Wyatt. After he graduated from Utah State and was commissioned in the Air Force, they moved to Santa Monica, California, and then to Anchorage, Alaska. Living away from her family was a new experience, except for one trip to Yellowstone Park; she had never been out of Utah or Idaho. After they left the military they made their home in Providence, Utah. Carolyn has always enjoyed Church activity and has held positions in all of the auxiliaries and at present is President of the Providence Sixth Ward Relief Society. She has five children, Stewart, Gary, Scott, Nancy, and Gordon. She has one little grandson, and a little granddaughter that died in infancy. Coralie was born 24 May 1938 in Preston, being the youngest in the family and was often referred to as "Harry's baby" and this was embarrassing to her. However, lately she enjoys the fact that all her brothers and sisters are older than she is. While she was very young she was stricken with rheumatic fever and was confined to her bed for many months. Friends and neighbors came often to play with her and keep her company. A memory she holds as dear to her heart is that of her father playing card games with her on her bed. Even though she was left with a heart problem she has led a useful and fulfilling life. She graduated from Logan High School and has worked for many years as a secretary. First at Sears in Logan, then at the Box Elder County Bank in Brigham City, bookkeeper in her husband's construction business, and presently as secretary in the Art Department at Utah State University. She has served in many positions in the Church, most recently as a counselor in the Primary. She and her husband, Robert Morrow, and two children, Dennis and Debra, live in Logan. Harry Jensen Letter to his daughter Margie This letter provides an interesting insight into the life and character of Harry Jensen: Mink Creek, Idaho January 26th, 1944 Miss Margie Jensen Dear Margie; I feel like I owe you a letter of appreciation for the splendid birthday present you sent me. I don't know what you could have given that would have been more appreciated. I am surely proud of it. Thanks a lot. You should see our family snaps. We got them last week. All look fine, but Mother says I look the best of all. In fact, I think so, too. All I can see wrong with me is that I am a little long faced. I am consoled, however, with the fact that Abe Lincoln was homely, too. Well, anyway, you ought to come home and see them. Well, Margie, my 53rd milestone has been passed on the race of life and I am still perking fine. I feel like I am good for at least another fifty. I spent the day soliciting for war bonds. My district is from Dora's up to V.C. Christensen's. I had pretty good luck. When I came home, Mother had a swell chicken dinner ready for me. You should have seen the cute birthday cards and handkerchiefs Carolyn and Coralie gave me. They were handmade, were very artistic. They are both sitting on the table playing checkers while Mother and Nita are crocheting. Rodney has gone to town to practice dancing for the Gold and Green Ball to be held next Friday evening. He is dancing with Geraldine. Marko Keller was chosen queen of the ball. You asked Mother how Lewis Erickson was. He died and was buried Monday. Mother and I went to the funeral. It was held in the Third Ward Chapel. It was a beautiful funeral. Hyrum Jepson, Taylor Nelson, and Phenoe Edgley were the speakers, so you can well see that it was good. Mother is just sitting here bawling me out for writing so long a letter. She says she can write just as good a letter as I can and it does not take her half as long. I told her that we will let you be the judge. I forgot to tell you that my little girls gave me a spanking for my birthday. I noticed that, when they got through, they went off holding their hands. The first spanks were much the hardest. Oh, yes. I wanted to tell you that we saw Aunt Anna, Lyla, and Thora at the funeral. They had to go back right after the funeral, so we did not get to talk much with them. Anna said they stopped at your cabin on the way down, but there was nobody home. Rodney did not pass the test for the air course. He fell short eight points. He did not know enough about physics. Reed does not know yet how he came out. Rodney seems to be a little settled over it, anyway, and says he will keep quiet until he is drafted and that he is not going to feel bad if they do not call him. He said army life did not seem so good to him after he saw how the soldiers were lounging around at Fort Douglas. Rex Crane, Dennis Larsen, and Harvey Hansen left for the navy yesterday. Varon and Curtis Nelson leave for the army on the ninth. Ivonne takes her examination for the Waves at Boise on the 14th. Dora told me tonight that Leeral had bought Willis Oliverson's place. I don't know what Willis is going to do. Mr. Larson's baby is very low with pneumonia. Dr. Cutler was up today. He said the hopes for recovery were not too good. Well, Nita and Mother have got tired crocheting and are putting eggs away, so I guess I better dry up and help them. Thanks again for the beautiful card and portrait. Love, Dad and All P.S. Carolyn wants me to let you know that she is putting eggs away, too. Mother says she is going to Salt Lake just to see if I will write her as long a letter as I am writing to you. Oh, shoot! I forgot to tell you of the main happening in the society circles. Mother and I were invited out to Jim Baird's birthday party Monday night. We surely had a good time. We spent the evening playing Rook and Chinese Checkers, after which a delicious lunch was served. The other guests were Norman and Viola, Nephi and Lillian, Mona and Fay, Theo and Edith, Doran and Anna, Bill Bell, and Anna Wilde. It was 2:30 a.m. when we got home. You know, the party was partly mine, as Jim's birthday is just the day before mine. Mother just told me that it was Donna's birthday today. Wish her a happy birthday from me. Tell her she should feel very highly honored for having a birthday on the same day as General Douglas McArthur and I. When the war is over, we will look Doug up and invite him to our party. (Ha, ha.)