Donald O. Jensen

OBITUARY: Donald Otis Jensen
Donald Otis Jensen, 86, Topeka, died Sat., Oct. 22, 2011, at Midland Hospice House. Don was born on Dec. 6, 1924, at Hoyt, the son of Anna K. (Zeller) and Otis T. Jensen. The family moved to Topeka, where Don graduated from Highland Park High. One of Don's favorite memories was of helping his uncles in the Hoyt/Mayetta area farm using horses. After high school Don joined the US Army Air Corps where he obtained the rank of Staff Sgt. Don served in WW II as a gunner on a bomber flying sorties over Germany. Following discharge from the service, Don returned to Topeka and married Creola "Dee" Birnbaumer in 1949. She died on Dec. 14, 1970. Don married Evelyn Confer on Sept. 17, 1990. Don began his career as an electrician, joined the I.B.E.W. and was a life time member. One of his first jobs was as a pole man running the original electrical lines through western Kansas. Other positions were with Allied Electric for 15 years and serving as the Electrical Inspector for the City of Topeka for 10 years. Don was a Master Electrician, teaching at the Vocational Technical School in Topeka. He was a member of VFW Post 1650, American Legion Post 400 (and assisted with military funerals), Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge, and Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife: Evelyn; 5 children: Janis Aitken, Gary (Alene) Jensen, and Blaine (Sharon) Jensen of Topeka; Deena (Joe) Grissom of Overland Park; and Donna (Bill) DeDonder of St. Marys; 3 stepsons: Walter, Gary and Kenney Confer; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thurs., Oct. 27, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka. Military honors will be conducted by Topeka North Post # 400 of the American Legion at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Don will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Wed., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka North Post # 400 of the American Legion, 3029 NW Hwy 24, Topeka, KS 66618.