Byron Jensen, age 80, of Minnetonka, Minnesota passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 2, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Byron was born on April 9, 1943, to Lester and Bernice Jensen of Wilson, Wisconsin. He was the second child of four and the only boy.
Byron graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1961 where he was active in many sports-football, basketball, and track. He was also the Senior Class President that year. After high school, Byron continued his education at UW-River Falls where he received a Bachelor’s degree in education, and later earned his Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.
In 1965, Byron married Ann Ellefson and eventually settled in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They had two sons, Christopher and Nathan.
Byron spent most of his career teaching social studies at Hopkins West Junior High School. He was also active in the school district coaching football at junior high and high school levels. Most students remember “Mr. Jensen” by the shrine in his classroom dedicated to his beloved Green Bay Packers.
In 2001, Byron took an early retirement from teaching, but soon after began a job at Village Chevrolet in Wayzata. He would work there for almost 20 more years.
Later in life, Byron enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending all their events. One of his favorite things was taking his boat out on Lake Minnetonka to fish-his happy place!
Byron was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, sister Rochelle Painter, and brothers-in-law John Painter and Gene Anderson.
He is survived by his sons Christopher and Nathan (Joyce); four grandchildren: Evan, Katelyn, Carter and Reed; sisters Diane (Grant) Ness and Jill Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
