Earl Franklin Jensen

Earl Franklin Jensen

Earl Franklin Jensen was born May 5, 1907 at Kansasville, Wisc., in Racine County. Earl was the eighth child of Jens Peter Jensen and Anna Georgina Jorgensen.

Earl moved to the family homestead six miles east of Hat Creek in October, 1910, with his parents, brothers and sisters.

Earl attended school at the Hat Creek School House three miles from their home. In those days you either walked to school or rode horse back.

During his early life he worked as a ranch hand for numerous ranches. Earl was employed by Lyle Miles delivering freight and hauling garbage. Then Earl decided to try his hand at being a roughneck in the oil fields.

In 1953 he was employed by the Frontier Lumber Co. as an all-around worker, carpenter, plumber, and electrician until his retirement in 1972.

November 19, 1939 he married Vlasta Catherine Shimek. To this happy couple, five children were born; Cecil Rosaline Allbright of Wheatland, Zelda Carylon Lawrence of Moorcroft, Jens Peter Jensen of Glenrock, Earl Franklin (Chip) Jensen of Lusk and Vlasta Paula Weymouth of Lusk.

Earl enjoyed his hobbies, fishing, hunting, and bowling, which he took time to teach the fine arts of to his five children and many of his grandchildren.

Earl didn't want to give up working but because of a stroke in January 1972 he had to be semi-retired.

Earl died in Niobrara Hospital Aug. 6, 1983. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, three brothers and one grandson.

He is survived by his wife, five children, 19 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom live in Wyoming; three brothers, Elmer of Powell, Joe of Honesdale, Penn. and Marvin of Hat Creek; two sisters, Anna of Keeline and Edith of Jan Jose, Calif. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held at Peet Mortuary Chapel in Lusk, Aug. 9, 1983, with the Rev. Frank Bozart officiating. Music was provided by Elizabeth Craske, organist and Mark Lohr, soloist for "Farther Along," and "Going Down the Valley." Pallbearers were John Lohr, Victor Leno, Richard Schnorenberg, Noal Larson, Joe Klemke and Burr Bryant. Honorary pallbearers were all his friends. Interment was in Lusk Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Heart Fund. Arrangements were by the Peet Mortuary.

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