Denis Jensen

Denis Everett Jensen, 75, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Denis was born October 6, 1950, to James Everett and Dona Coy Poole Jensen. He was also welcomed by his two older sisters, Elaine and Cheryl. He was their pride and joy.

He attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Bonneville High School in 1968. He then attended Ricks College before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest British Mission, primarily in England and Wales. When he returned home, he attended ISU.

On September 6, 1973, he married Kristine Ludlow in the Provo, Utah Temple. They made their home in Idaho Falls. They welcomed four children: Erin Denise, Alison Jaelyn, Lindsay Anne, and Cory Denis.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as Stake and Ward Young Men’s Presidents, Ward Clerk, and other various callings within the church. He had a strong testimony of his Savior. He strived to be, and was, a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ. He loved to serve others and by the way he lived, shared the love of Christ with them.

Denis worked as a photographer at Argonne National Laboratory where he later became a security guard. After retiring from the site, he worked as a security guard for many years at the Grand Teton Mall. He made many friends at the mall. He enjoyed walking around and talking to everyone. Everyone loved Denis!

Denis was a lifelong learner, learning things up until his last days. He taught himself to speak Welsh, the language of his ancestors. He had a Duolingo streak that exceeded 1,500 days! Earlier in life, he also took classes to learn sign language to be able to communicate with coworkers. He also taught himself to be a locksmith and became certified. He enjoyed music of all kinds and loved playing the guitar. He had many hobbies including jogging, skiing, karate, and working on his Volkswagen Baja Bug.

He served in the United States Navy, becoming a Boatswains Chief Mate. In 2007, he was deployed to Kuwait. He retired honorably in 2009.

He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren: Noah, Emily, Macie, Rylee, Andrew, Jacob, Ashlyn, Levi, Avila, Kaylie, Miles, Ariel, and Magnolia. His family was his life. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and made each one feel special. He loved reading to them, napping with them, playing games with them, and taking them to Taco Bell.

Denis will be greatly missed by everyone. We are all better because we knew him. He is survived by his wife, Kris Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Erin (Derek) Begg of Boise, ID; daughter, Alison (Brian) Kearsley of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Lindsay (Adam) Christensen of Chino, CA; son, Cory Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Elaine Ladle of Boise, ID; and thirteen grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cheryl Gneiting.

His family would like to thank The Gables of Idaho Falls and Aspen Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse, Britney, for the endless care and love they gave him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Thunder Ridge 2nd Ward, 4459 John Adams Parkway, with Bishop Jeff Hansen officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be at the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Jefferson County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Navy Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.