Charles "Chuck" J Jensen passed away on Saturday evening September 4, 2010. He wasn't a huge man in stature but he was a giant in character, personality, and gumption. He believed in hard work, treating people fairly, and community service. He was quick with a joke, easy to befriend, and, in his younger days, quick on his feet at work and on the dance floor.

Chuck was born September 9, 1930, in Yankton SD to Charles Otto and Alice Myrtle Jensen. They lived on the family farm near Irene SD. Here Charles harvested his love of the great outdoors via hunting and fishing with his Dad and his twin uncles Kenny and Curtis Moen. Chuck was a sportsman to the end, bagging a big buck at age 79 with his son Brad and his brother Albert last November.

Chuck, along with his mother, father, and brother, moved to Custer, SD, in 1950. There Chuck worked as a bell hop for the Sylvan Lake lodge and then as the parts man for the Custer Ford garage. He then moved to Hot Springs around 1955 where he worked as the parts manager for the Harris Ford Garage and began courting his wife to be, Lillian Faith.

Lillian and Chuck were married on February 17th 1962, and there union resulted in the birth of 6 children: Joleen Marie, Glenda Joy, Bradley Charles, Charlene Renee, Douglas Richard, and Russell Lloyd. Chuck dearly loved all his children, his wife, and all his grandkids: Justin, Jayson, Jaycob, Colton, Nathaniel, Natalie, Nevaeh, Elyse, Laura, and Aiden. And of course he loved his parents, relatives and all his friends dearly.

Chuck believed strongly in community service and was a member of the Lions Club and the Harmony Masonic lodge in Hot Springs for many years. He donated his time and energy to many community activities, and one would regularly see him taking tickets at football and basketball games, and serving food at pancake suppers and other community events.

Chuck worked in Hot Springs for over 50 years at the Harris Ford Garage, Midwest Furniture, Hot Springs Automotive, Chuck's Super Service, Pronto Auto Parts, and the Hot Springs Golf Course. For years Chuck has kept the autos of Hot Springs moving and helped in the progression of this great community. He will be greatly missed, but his inspiration will live on in all of us.

Charles J Jensen is preceded in death by his parents and his infant daughter, Glenda.

A Life Celebration/Memorial Service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church (245 South Chicago Street) in Hot Springs, SD, on September 19th at 10AM. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers the "Chuck Jensen Memorial Fund" has been established at The Black Hills Federal Credit Union (330 South Chicago Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747-2324, During business hours: 605-745-4212, Fax: (605) 745-6999, QT/Quick Teller: (800) 660-3224).

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.