Robert Roy Jensen

Robert Roy Jensen

Robert Roy Jensen passed away at his home in Palmer, Alaska, on February 27, 2021, at the age of 91. He was born in North Dakota on January 2, 1930, to Henry and Ina Brown Jensen of Grace City, North Dakota.

Robert married his high school sweetheart, Joan Jeanette McNeese, on March 20, 1951, in Carrington, North Dakota. Bob served in the Navy during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Coronado, California, and Japan. Bob and Joan moved to Palmer, Alaska, after his discharge. He joined the teamsters, working for several local companies and also on the Alaska Pipeline. Bob is known to be among the top 10 truck drivers in Alaska’s history, helping to develop roadways from territory to statehood. He also has mentored many young people along the way.

Bob’s wife Joan died in 1974, and Bob retired at 55. He later married Maryann Canniff.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ina; his wife, Maryann Canniff, his siblings, Shirley Geddes, Lloyd Jensen, Joyce Boyer, and Carol Lies; his daughter, Nancy Jacobson; and his granddaughter, Gabrielle Winchester.

Survivors include Bob’s sister, Melva (Pat) Boyle,; sister-in-law, Marion Jensen; daughters, Ivy (Chuck) Kazda and Lola Jensen; and stepchildren, Bonita and Terry. Bob had 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews in Alaska and the lower 48 states.

Bob will be buried in Grace City, North Dakota, next to his parents and grandparents.