February 8, 1940 – August 12, 2026

Donald Carl Jensen passed away unexpectedly at his home in Palisade on August 12, 2026.
Don was an extraordinarily talented man who was an expert woodcarver, mechanic, welder and car restorer. He was very smart and funny. Don had a million stories about crazy adventures he and his cousin Steve Bair had while growing up in Glenwood Springs. Don was an avid outdoorsman who taught his children ( Don Jr. and Carla) how to hunt and fish. Throughout Don’s life he and his best friend Ray Davis worked and played together until Ray’s passing in 2024.
He was married to his wife Shirley for 56 years until her passing in 2016. He spent several years in a Salt Lake hospital with a bone disease called Leg Perthes but came roaring back afterwards. He was able to climb Mount Garfield at the age of 79 with his dog Trixie.
Don worked as a manager at Porto Mix Concrete in the Roaring Fork Valley until he was offered the opportunity to buy into a partnership at Dotsero Block in Gypsum where he stayed until his retirement.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Carl and Leila Jensen, sisters Juanita and Karen and brother Roy.
He is survived by his son Don Jr. and spouse Johanna, daughter Carla, grandson Michael and spouse Nicole, granddaughters Kaitlyn and fiance Landon. Amanda, brother Gary, sister Diane and 2 great grandchildren Gunnar and Miranda.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to HopeWest of the Grand Valley.