Kenneth David Jensen

Kenneth David Jensen, 81, of Chinook, Montana unexpectedly passed on June 21, 2025, while performing the farm/ranch work he loved, with his devoted labrador Charlie at his side. He is best known as "Mr. Jensen" among hundreds of students whose lives he touched as a dedicated high school business teacher.

David (better known as Dave) was born December 4th, 1943, to Kenneth and Leona Jensen. He was raised on the family farm near Zurich with his sister Linda and brother Steve and attended Zurich Elementary School.

After graduating from Chinook High School in 1961, Dave attended Northern Montana College for Business Education, graduating in 1966. He began teaching at Chinook High School that fall. In 1968, he was chosen from applicants across the U.S. for a one-year Experienced Teacher Fellowship Program, held at the University of Montana. Upon completion, he returned to Chinook with a Master of Business Administration and taught in the business department for 25 years, earning awards for Outstanding Young Educator and Teacher of the Year.

Dave served in the National Guard from 1962 to 1968. Later in life, he served on the Honor Guard for veteran's funerals as a member of the American Legion.

In 1968 Dave married Karen Grabofsky. They had two children, a daughter, Kristi, and a son, Ryan. Dave and Karen divorced in 2000.

Dave's passion for farming/ranching began as a child on the family farm. He participated in 4H and Future Farmers of America, attending the 1960 National FFA Convention. In 1971, he purchased and began operating a farm/ranch southeast of Chinook, alongside his uncle Harold Steffen. He acquired additional acreage as it became available, but the parcels were miles apart. A goal formed of having a contiguous operation, and through hard work and wise decisions, Dave achieved that goal before passing. Even at 81, he often put in a full day's work mending fences, spraying weeds, and otherwise caring for his land.

Except for college and military training, Dave lived and worked in the Chinook area his entire life. While volunteering with the Jaycees, he was recognized for outstanding service to the community. After retiring as a teacher, Dave served as the Blaine County Fair Board Manager, sold real estate, owned and operated a tire and lube shop, and sold firearms. He enjoyed going to auctions and collecting antiques, coins, paintings, records and more.

Dave is survived by his son Ryan (Linae) Jensen; daughter Kristi Jensen; grandchildren Levi, Tyrese, Ashlyn and January; his brother Steve (Judy) Jensen; his sister, Linda Peterson; nephews Dan Peterson, Erik Jensen, Torin Jensen; nieces Kim Stegmeier and Liesle Doggett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Leona Jensen and uncle Harold Steffen.

A memorial service will be held at the Chinook High School auditorium on Tuesday July 1st at 10 am, with graveside service at Kuper Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon reception will follow at the fairgrounds' Commercial Building. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to: David Jensen Estate, PO Box 1054, Chinook, MT 59523. Donations will be gifted to the Chinook Rod and Gun Club for shooting range improvements.