Vernon E. Jensen

Vernon E. Jensen, 91, of Dakota Dunes, SD, formerly of South Sioux City, NE passed away on Friday, February 11, 2011 at his residence with his family by his side.Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, South Sioux City, NE on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Stephen S. Niles officiating. Burial will be at the Obert Cemetery, Obert, NE. Military rites will be conducted by the South Sioux City American Legion Post 307. Visitation will be at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 PM and a prayer service at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 14, 2011, with Pastor Jeff Adell of Ark Methodist Church in McCook Lake, SD officiating. Online condolences may be sent at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Vernon was born on October 24, 1919 in Hartington, NE, the son of Alfred and Charlotte (Hansen) Jensen. He joined the US Army in January, 1941. He was ranked as a Sergeant. He was with the 96th Infantry Division, participating in the invasion of Leyte and Okinawa as a linesman and tank driver. He was a decorated war hero, receiving 2 purple hearts and a bronze star for service beyond the call of duty, along with several other medals. He married Pauline Nielsen on December 29, 1941. They resided in Cedar County until 1966, when they moved to South Sioux City, NE. In 2004 they moved to Dakota Dunes, SD. Vernon worked for the Nebraska State Department of Roads and eventually for the City of South Sioux City, where he retired as Street Superintendent.He loved painting pictures, golfing and making pancakes for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where he earned the name "Grandpa Pancake".Survivors include his loving wife, Pauline Jensen of Dakota Dunes, SD; 3 daughters, Lori Sorum of Dakota Dunes, SD, Sheryle Jensen-Osgood (Bill) of Littleton, CO, Paulette Delperdang (Doug) of Dakota Dunes, SD; 1 son, Jim Jensen (Carla) of Dakota Dunes, SD; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a brother, Marvin Jensen of Sioux City, IA; a sister, Donna Young of Dixon, NE; sisters-in-law, Mildred Jensen of Laurel, NE and Dorothy Jensen of Ponca, NE; many nieces, nephews and friends.Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Charlotte Jensen; 3 brothers, Sherman, Verlin and Duane Jensen; sister, Evelyn Cupp; half-brother, William Hansen, and his wife, Della; sister-in-law, Gladys Jensen; brothers-in-law, John Young and Jewel Cupp; and son-in-law, Bob Sorum.Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.