Howard Dale Jensen

Howard Dale Jensen, 83, of Willmar, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with leukemia. A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and friend, Howard lived a life marked by generosity, humor, faith, and an unwavering dedication to those he cherished most. 

A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 5, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A recording of the service will be available for viewing after the service on this site.  Private interment will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  Memorials are preferred to St. Jude's, www.stjude.org.

Howard was born on April 16, 1942, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Roy C. and DeEtta Jensen. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm north of Priam. He attended Priam School through eighth grade and later Willmar High School, where he met the love of his life, Jacque.

Howard and Jacque first made their home in Anoka, where Howard worked as a salesperson for Singer Sewing. In the early 1970s, Howard took over the family farm near Raymond, where he and Jacque raised their children: Kelly Sue, Michael and Jeremy.

Howard’s work ethic was unmatched. He often worked long hours every week, even when he was ill, because he knew the farm could not function without him. Later, in the mid-1980s, Howard transitioned from farming into a successful career in seed corn sales.

Family was always at the center of Howard’s world. He and Jacque were blessed with ten grandchildren.

Howard is survived by his wife: Jacque; children: Kelly Sue (AJ), Michael, and Jeremy (Sarah); ten grandchildren: Harper, Haven, Griffin, Ty, Meric, Sophie, Avery, Halle, Sasha, and Kyra; and his sisters: Gerry Nyberg and Diane Klaers. He was preceded in death by his parents: Roy C. and DeEtta Jensen; and his brother-in-law: Lyle Nyberg.