Lonny Wendell Jensen

Lonny Wendell Jensen, 47, of Basalt, passed away in the company of his cherished family on February 11, 2006, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from complications following heart surgery. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, and son-in-law. Innumerable friends and acquaintances will also miss him greatly.

Lonny was born, December 28, 1958, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Wendell Elias Jensen and Margie Baker Jensen. He graduated from Skyline High School in 1977.

After courageously defeating lymphoma, he accepted a call to serve a mission in Madrid, Spain. Due to health concerns he returned home for treatment and he completed his mission in San Diego, California. Upon his return home from his mission he attended Rick's College where he met his eternal sweetheart, Sharon Moser. After only 14 days of courtship he proposed. They were married on June 26, 1981 in the Idaho Falls, LDS temple. They began their life together in Ogden, Utah, and while there, became the proud parents of their first child, Tyson. Soon after Tyson's birth, Lonny and Sharon returned to Idaho to live closer to their families. After a year they relocated to the Rose area, where Lonny helped on the dairy farm. While living there, Brian, a second Child of God, was born. From there they moved to Basalt and three more children joined the family. KaeLoni, was their first daughter, and Daddy's girl. Devin, Dad's little handy man, came along next. Five years later they were blessed with Mikaela, another miracle and perfect gift from God, who completed the family. Lonny's children were an important part of his life and much time was spent with them camping, biking, hiking, playing, laughing, and teasing... just enjoying each other's company.

As a faithful and dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Lonny served diligently in many callings providing leadership in the Bishopric, Priesthood Quorums, and Youth Programs. His passion was every aspect of the Scouting program, working with and teasing the youth.

Lonny graduated from Rick's college with a degree in graphic design. His most recent career endeavor was with Melaleuca for the past 13 years. His work in the field of design has yielded many outstanding projects.

Lonny is survived by his eternal companion, Sharon Jensen of Basalt; sons Tyson (Mary) Jensen of Idaho Falls, Brian Jensen (Currently serving in the LDS Nebraska, Omaha Mission), Devin Jensen, and daughters, KaeLoni Jensen and Mikaela Jensen; his mother, Margie Jensen of Idaho Falls; sisters Kaye Lynn (Michael C.) Beeler of Valparaiso, Indiana, JoAnn (Kim) Petersen of Idaho Falls, and Trina (Jeff) Summers of Chandler, Arizona. He is preceded in death by his father, Wendell Elias Jensen, and his grandparents. Lonny was a “little boy in a man's body” and thrived on the fun and simple things of life. His talents of woodworking, designing, and photography, among a few, were extensive and blessed all those who knew him. He was compelled to do everything he could and absolutely enjoyed life to its fullest.

Funeral Services will be held 11am Thursday, February 16, 2006 at the Firth Stake Center (133 South Main) in Basalt. Friends may visit with family Wednesday evening at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley between 7 and 8:30pm and before the service, Thursday at 9:30 to 10:40am at the church. Interment will be in the Grove City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Lonny Jensen Family Benefit Fund. Donations may be made at any branch of the East Idaho Federal Credit Union or may be mailed to the Shelley branch at P.O. Box 55, Shelley, ID, 83274.