Paul Jensen

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Paul Jensen, age 70, of rural Dell Rapids, died on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Stordahl Cemetery, rural Dell Rapids. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 PM Friday, at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel. Memorials may be directed to Ducks Unlimited or to Cancer Research.

Paul was born on January 6, 1948 to Lyle and Mary Lou (Thoreson) Jensen. He grew up in Beresford and graduated from Beresford High School in 1966. He attended SDSU on a football scholarship until an injury changed his plans. He transferred to USD and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Accounting. While at USD he was active in Delta Tau Delta. On September 5, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Yttreness at Romsdahl Lutheran Church. The couple settled on Paul’s great grandmother’s place south of Dell Rapids. Paul had a long career in medical companies and associations. Over the years he held several positions with many organizations. These included: South Dakota Medical Services Inc, (South Dakota Blue Shield), South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care, Dakota Health Plans, and the South Dakota State Medical Holding Company. He served as the Executive Secretary of the South Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners from 1999 to 2005, and as Chief Executive Officer of the South Dakota State Medical Association from 1999 to 2006.

Paul was active in several community and state organizations which included: Dell Rapids Hospital Board, First National Bank Advisory Board, Dell Rapids Township Supervisor, Minnehaha Township Association Executive Committee, Dell Rapids Area Ducks Unlimited Chapter, Regional Girls Scouts Board Member, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity House Corporation, and Sioux Falls United Way. He was also a member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Paul had a great love of hunting and fishing and loved having animals on the farm.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra, Dell Rapids; children: Michelle (Mike Hoffman) Jensen, Harrisburg, and Brian Jensen, Sioux Falls; two siblings: Mary Karen (Dan) Engebretson, Watertown, and Mark (Jonda) Jensen, Beresford; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.