Donald Lee “Felix” Jensen, age 81, of Rapid City, SD and formerly of Wolf Point, MT died February 15, 2011 in Rapid City. Felix was born December 6, 1929 in Poplar, MT to Thorvald and Sophia Marie Jensen.
Felix was raised at Mineral Bench and the family moved to Wolf Point in 1940. Felix graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1948. While in high school he participated in basketball, football, and was a drummer in the band.
Felix’s first job was a pin-setter at the local bowling alley, where he learned his professional bowling skills. He won many bowling tournaments and had numerous trophies. Felix won the Big Three Bowling tournament in Williston, ND in 1968. Led by his father, Felix and his brothers formed a very successful bowling team.
In the summer, when not bowling, the family’s favorite past time was playing baseball. The Jensen brothers played for the Tule Creek baseball team where he excelled at the position of shortstop. In later years, he coached many Babe Ruth and American Legion teams on which his sons played.
Felix married his high school sweetheart Pearl Puckett in Wolf Point on January 4, 1949 and to this union of 41 years seven children were born. Pearl died in December 1990.
He married Isabel Swanson in 1995. She preceded him in death in 2004.
He was employed and worked as a service attendant, bulk deliver driver and retired as the manager of Equity Oil Co-op after 44 years. Following his retirement, he enjoyed his daily coffee stops at the Wolf Point Café and Old Town Grill. Felix also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.
He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish where he served on the parish council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also belonged to the B.P.O. E. where he held all offices including Exalted Ruler. Felix was a member of the credit committee for the local credit union.
Felix moved to Rapid City, SD in December 2006 where he resided at Clarkson Healthcare. While there he was the resident bingo caller, presided over movie and popcorn night, and was elected Resident President. He became very close to staff and residents.
Also preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Arthur and Jerome; and sister, Verna Schumacher.
Survivors include his two sons, Dennis (Gail) Jensen of Troy, ID and Daniel Jensen of Rapid City; daughters, Dianne (Jim) Stone of Hope, AR, Jennifer (Darrel) Zimmerman, Mary Ellen (Alan) Hoversland both of Wolf Point, Cathleen (Dathan) Bulot of Liberal, KS and Colleen (Mark) Halsey of McCook, NE; brothers, Ed Jensen of Glasgow, MT and Lefty (Jeannette) Jensen of Wolf Point; sister-in-law, Bea Coon of Glasgow; brother-in-law, Ed (Gloria) Puckett of Kalispell; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
Dad, we thank you for your strength, guidance and unconditional love. You taught us the importance of family. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace. All our love, Dianne, Dennis, Jennifer, Mertz, Danny, Cathleen, and Colleen.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, February 18 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. A vigil service will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, February 20 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 21 also at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point with Father Jolly Pathiyamoola as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements