Michael Dale Jensen

Dale Jensen

Richfield, Utah

Michael Dale Jensen, 94, of Richfield passed away peacefully May 19, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family and returned home to our Heavenly Father, his sweetheart, parents and loved ones. He was born at home in Mayfield, Utah October 11, 1924, to Royal Welcome and Leah Venessa Hill Jensen, the fifth of eight children. Even though he was a native of Sanpete County, Richfield has been his home for more than 65 years.

As a boy, Dale delivered newspapers on his horse, tromped hay, herded cows and irrigated. After graduating from Manti High School in 1942, he was hired to build the Geneva Steel Plant making 75 cents an hour. At age 18 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for three years in the European Theatre in France and Belgium during World War II.

When World War II ended, Dale met his wife, Maurine Anderson, of Centerfield, at a dance and took her home. They were married March 29, 1948, in Centerfield, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. They loved spending time together. Their companionship and kindness toward each other will always be a shining example of eternal love. They were happily married for nearly 70 years when Maurine preceded him in death on January 14, 2018.

Dale was a kind and generous man and valued people. He was an excellent listener and gave good advice. His selfless nature made everyone feel welcome. He loved living close to the mountains and the beautiful forest country and always considered Canyon Road in Mayfield his home. We always looked forward to annual camping trips at Ferron Reservoir and 12-Mile Flat. The highlight was making homemade ice cream with a vintage hand cranked machine using snow from the mountain snowbanks.

Dale was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Christ-like example of serving others. He was a happy man often singing as he would work. We cherish fond memories of him taking his sweetheart in his arms and dancing around the kitchen. He had a sweet tooth and was known for his yummy honey candy.

Dale was a hard worker and always earned his pay. He retired in 1987 after a 41-year career with the Utah Department of Transportation. Most of those years he worked as a material lab engineer, supervising the lab where he made many lifelong friends, and finished his career as the Project Engineer over the construction of I-70 through Clear Creek Canyon. Upon his retirement, Maurine became his second hand on the farm. They enjoyed being together, whether it was attending BYU ball games or making their daily trip to Sanpete County to check on their farm and family members.

Dale was a member of the Richfield Kiwanis Club for many years and participated in the 4th of July parade as a clown throwing candy from the old fire engine. He also helped with the dunking pond at the city park. His service included the annual Kiwanis Birthday Calendar drive.

He is survived by his children: Sherolyn (Eric) Langston, Patsy (Stephen) Daniels, Pauline (Terry) Barney, Marsha (Kyle) Meacham, all Richfield; Gloria (Lon) Wickel, Nephi; and Michael Dale, Jr. (Suzette) Jensen, Heber City. He leaves a legacy with his 6 children, 79 grand and great-grandchildren; siblings: Phyllis Gregerson, Gunnison; Maxine (Phillip) Black, Lehi; William (Karen) Jensen, Mayfield.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Virlie (Ashley) Nelson, Aleda (Rex) Coates, Roella (Bert) Warenski, and Royal (Maxine) Jensen; and brother-in-law, Jim Gregerson.

He was a wonderful husband and father and will always be remembered. We love him very much!!

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. in the Richfield 10th Ward Chapel, 675 W. 200 S., Richfield, Utah. Friends may call Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Magleby Mortuary, 50 S. 100 W., Richfield and Tuesday at the ward chapel from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Internment will be in the Centerfield, Utah Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with military honors by the Centerfield American Legion Post #105. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book at www.maglebymortuary.com.