Ernest R. Jensen, 84, of North Platte, passed away Dec. 21, 2012, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
He was born March 13, 1928, to Jens Christian and Christina (Larsen) Jensen in Dannebrog. He always thought 13 was a lucky number. He was the 13th child, went to school district No. 13, had 13 classmates, was born on the 13th and weighed 13 pounds.
He worked at Gustofson Lumber Co. in Cozad. Ernest served in the United States Army in Germany for a year and a half. He returned to Gustofson Lumber Co. after his discharge. In August 1954, he married Margaret Budd in Cozad. That year he went to work at the United States Post Office in Cozad. In 1972, he was assigned as a postal clerk in North Platte. They moved to North Platte in 1973.
He belonged to the V.F.W., Moose Lodge, Elks and the Eagles. Ernie loved to golf every day no matter how cold and some days he was the only one out there. He loved to play cards with the retired postal workers.
Ernest is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret; three daughters, Roberta (Benny) Owens, Barbara (John) Williams and Brenda Jensen, all of North Platte; eight grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two step granddaughters, five step great-grandchildren; two brothers, Art and George (Darlene) Jensen; two sisters, Helen Armour and Leona McHargue; and many, many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alfred, Raymond, Clarence, Carl, Harlan, Harold and Marvin; and sisters, Myrtle and Margaret.
Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in lieu of flowers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 28, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev. James Golka as celebrant. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be a later date at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26, and Thursday, Dec. 27, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.