2/26/2013
Memorial services for Richard Garrick Jenson will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March
4, 2013 at the Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Joel Erickson will
officiate. The interment will be at a later date. Friends may greet the family one hour
prior to the service at Bayview.
Richard Garrick Jenson, age 42, born May 1, 1970, brought joy to the lives of his
parents Richard T. and Nancy J. Jenson, at Albert Lea, MN. Known as Rick to most
and Ricky to some, he attended Albert Lea’s Northside Elementary School.
As a young boy, his interest in how things worked began to grow. At 4 years of age,
he left a birthday party and crossed the street to watch construction crews working
on a neighbor’s home. He earned the nickname “Mr. Goodwrench” at the time as he
watched them without the interference of any kind.
As he grew Rick helped all he could with his many skills. Rick attended Albert Lea’s
Southwest Junior High School through the first half of ninth grade when his father
was transferred to Knoxville, IA.
Rick earned his Eagle Scout rank younger than most in his Glenville troop, under
the leadership of Jack Barber. Rick’s Eagle Scout project was making and placing
Wood Duck houses around the area. Some are still standing. He was a member of the
Brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow before his transfer to Iowa and had also helped
his father who then became the unit’s assistant scoutmaster.
For Christmas when he was nine or ten all he wanted was an automobile engine. All
his parents could manage was a lawn mower motor to take apart as a learning tool.
Rick was confirmed at First Lutheran Church by Pastor Don Rose. He was elected treasurer
of his senior class at Knoxville High School. He attended a special science trip
to the east coast and was the videographer for the trip. During high school, he also
was a drummer in the drum corps and went to the national competition.
Rick worked as an electrician in Des Moines after his graduation from Knoxville
High School in 1989. He was very proud to become a Minnesota Master Electrician
and had just taken the renewal class for this, days before his untimely death.
Rick once told his mother he would lay down his life for his brothers Matt and Nate.
His generosity and kindness were unheralded.
Left to mourn his loss are his parents Richard T. and Nancy J. Jenson, his brothers
Matthew Jenson and Nathan (Cassie) Jenson, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends,
and co-workers, as well as Godparents Pat and Bob Goldman.
Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents; Elmer and Anna Jenson and Stanley
and Evelyn Hall. Uncles; Thomas (Jeanine) Hall and Terry Hall and various other
family members.
Blessed be the journey. You’re home now sweet son.