Obit: Jensen, Mark Lee (1968 - 2013)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Jensen, Wright, Harris, Kelly, McIntire, Herman, Tietz, Grundeman, Hollis, Golden

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co, WI) 1/01/2014

Jensen, Mark Lee (24 October 1968 - December 2013) With Flag

Mark Lee Jensen, age 45, passed away suddenly at his home in De Pere, WI, where he had just recently moved to from Thorp, WI. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, WI.

Mark (Harris) Jensen was born on October 24, 1968, in York, England, to Carol Wright and Kevin Harris. When Mark was four years old his family moved to the United States, settling in Omaha, NE. His mother married James Jensen in 1977 and James adopted Mark and his brother, Grayham. When Mark was 16 years old his family moved to Eau Claire, WI. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1987. After high school, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Kitzingen, Germany, where he served his tour (Mark went on to serve in both the Montana and the Wisconsin National Guard for an additional nine years of service.)

While in Germany, he met his future wife, Karla Kelly. They were married on August 10, 1991, in Hamilton, MT. They moved to Eau Claire, WI, in October 1991. They have three children: Matthew Jensen, Jarret Jensen and Nicole Jensen. Mark and Karla divorced in January 2000 (Karla remarried in 2001 to Jim McIntire of Thorp, WI). Mark married Sara Herman on March 17, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They resided in the Eau Claire area. Mark and Sarah have two daughters, Sydney Jensen and Taylor Jensen. Mark and Sara divorced in December 2009. During his years in the Eau Claire area, he worked for Lutheran Social Services and the Elk Mound School District. Mark remained in the Eau Claire area until he moved to Thorp, WI, in July 2011 to be closer to his children. While in Thorp, he worked at CRC, John Dough’s and Wisconsin Bench. In November of 2013, Mark moved to De Pere so that he could be closer to his to youngest children.

Mark was a very loving and caring father and his children were his world. He enjoyed spending time with his children, family and friends, camping, fishing and computer gaming. He had an overzealous love for the game of football and was a passionate Pittsburg Steelers and Nebraska Corn Husker fan. Mark was always there to help out his family and his friends with whatever was needed. Mark, Sara, Karla and Jim shared a very unique relationship with each other when it came to raising their five children. This special relationship has allowed their children to grow up knowing that life is full of changes; yet, forgiveness and love will always prevail and to love one another with all of their heart and soul.

Mark is survived by his five children: Matthew, Jarret and Nicole Jensen (Jim and Karla Jensen-McIntire from Thorp, WI, and Sydney and Taylor Jensen (Sara Herman) from De Pere, WI; his mother, Carol Jensen from Menomonie, WI; his brother, Grayham Jensen (Sarah Tietz), Kiana (niece), Payton (niece), and Gabrielle (nephew) from Eau Claire, WI; his sister, Kerry Jensen (Travis Grundeman) Jayden Jensen (nephew), Cora Wright (niece/God daughter), Madaline Wright (niece), and Korbin Jensen (nephew) from Menomonie, WI; his aunts and uncles: Phillip Wright, Dorothy Wright, Robert (Lynn) Wright, Debra (Bill) Hollis, Kathryn Golden, and many cousins all from Omaha, NE; his biological father, Kevin Harris, and siblings, Michael, Wendy and Laura Harris, all from York, England.

Mark is preceded in death by: James Jensen (father), Reginald and Cynthia Wright (grandparents), Alfred and Dorothy Jensen (grandparents).

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.