Frank C. Jensen, 62, of Hinsdale, Montana, passed away at his home on March 29, 2023.
“Frankie” was born on June 17, 1960, the youngest child of Frank and Alma (Nelson) Jensen. He was raised at their place east of Hinsdale near the Milk River.
Frankie attended Hinsdale Public Schools most of his life, except for two years spent in Cut Bank, Montana, where he received specialized instruction in learning with dyslexia. Preferring the social aspect of education over academia, Frank focused his energy in developing his trademark sense of humor, which was a great equalizer for him. He became very adept at reading the feeling of rooms and the people within them; he had a high emotional intelligence.
When it came to maintaining work-life balance, Frankie leaned heavily on the life side of the equation. He particularly enjoyed experiencing the world through the lens of travel and friendship. During the Christmas season of 1990-1991, Frankie and his good friend, Bill Pratt, embarked on a tour of Australia, an adventure he re-lived often and with great fondness. He also spent time in the Netherlands and England. While exploring roads closer to home, Frankie preferred to roam by riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. He had no fear of walking into any place (here or abroad) and not knowing what an event was, or who might be there. He had confidence that he would make a friend and have a good time.
Frankie had a sweet side when it came to people, stories, and things. Some might say he was an “accomplished collector.” He often regarded items according to sentimental value above functionality; aged, inoperable dirt working equipment and vehicles in various states of disrepair had pride of place on his property. Frank particularly attached a great deal of nostalgia and sentimentality to the farm north of Hinsdale, MT, homesteaded by his grandparents, Albert and Ida Nelson.
Frankie loved animals and inherited his father’s fondness for Hereford cattle, a breed he considered superior to all others. And it would be remiss not to mention his dog Ruff, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and iconic character who loomed large in stature and Frankie’s esteem. Ruff’s best parlor trick, taught to him by Frankie, was mounting up on a horse.
Frankie was very close with his parents. He maintained a youthful heart throughout his life and therefore shared a great rapport with young people. He loved his daughter Alysa and was very close with his grandson Alyx. He teased and related to his nieces, Tracie and Darcie, as if he were their older brother and had an ally in his nephew, Danny. Great-nieces and nephews Frank, Aileen and Aoife Benedict, fondly called him “Guf,” (an abbreviation of Great Uncle Frank) and he warmly embraced them and the nickname they gave him.
In some ways, Frankie spoke his own language. He was fluent in his native tongue of “the Jensen mumble;” sadly, it can be assumed that most of his brilliant quips and commentary have been lost to the ages, as listeners sometimes struggled to translate his dialect into English.
Frankie’s quick wit and irreverent sense of humor were appreciated and will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jens Frank Jensen, mother Alma Nelson Jensen and nephew Danny Black. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Jensen; daughter Alysa, and grandson Alyx; brother, David (Voni) Jensen and their children Tyrone (Jordan) and Tiffani (Mike) Ottoboni; sister, Carol (Garth) Allingham and children Tracie (Dan) Beck and Darcie (Danny) Fast; sister, Connie Osen and children Dane Osen, Desi (Rob) Benedict, Kirsten (Tim Branda) and Otto Osen; great-nieces and nephews Wyatte, Summer, Shelby and River Jensen; Abigail, Hunter, Bridger and Emma Beck; Aden Perkins and Nova Lynn Perkins; Frank, Aileen, and Aoife Benedict, and Scarlett and Kurt Branda.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the American Legion Hall in Hinsdale, Montana, with burial following at Hillview Cemetery in Hinsdale, Montana. A luncheon will follow at Hinsdale American Legion Hall. Condolences may be left at the bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday April 14, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 15, 2023
American Legion Hall
Hwy 2 West
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
Burial
12:00 p.m.
Saturday April 15, 2023
Hillview Cemetery
US Highway 2
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday April 14, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 15, 2023
American Legion Hall
Hwy 2 West
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
Burial
12:00 p.m.
Saturday April 15, 2023
Hillview Cemetery
US Highway 2
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
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Louise Twitchell says
I will miss my random calls just to visit. Talk about all that old times friends. Miss you Frank
JoAn (Arnold )Hill says
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers of love and peace to all
Lisa Baxter says
Many good memories snowmobiling and listening to Frankies stories.
Darin W Gallagher says
Frank was definitely a character. I ran into him at the Denver Stockshow in the 90’s. I still have fond memories of that event. His eulogy describes the Frank I knew very well. I have a passion for Whites Boots. Frank got me started with that passion. I will wear my Packer’s today in his honor. May he Rest In Peace.
David Black says
I will miss my other brother Frankie.
Arlie Gordon says
I met Frankie at the Duck Creek Supper Club probably 40 years ago. Lord, what a character. Rest in peace, ya biker!
Victor Anderson says
RIP Little bear ,
Diannia Zimmerman says
My condolences to Frank’s family he was always so kind he will be missed by so many
Michael Coen says
Going to miss my childhood friend from Cut Bank. A lot of good memories of Frankie, God Bless you and your family Connie.
Lynn & Leah Erickson says
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Tom weber says
Oh my this was just sent to me. Frank and I were the same age, within a few months. I met Frank about 1990 or so when Garry and I came out to Montana to deer hunt. To say Frank was welcoming would be an understatement. I am so sorry for your loss and I will always fondly remember Frank, his wit, and careful and safe nature when hunting with Garry and I. I am so sorry.