Harold Louis Jensen passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Harold was born June 15, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Christian and Helge (Nesje) Jensen. He spent the first 15 years of his life there with his parents and younger brother Thomas. However, Harold and Thomas spent many summers on their aunt and uncle’s farm near Yucatan, Minn.
Harold attended elementary and junior high schools in Minneapolis. When he entered eighth grade, the family moved back to the family farm on Highland Prairie, south of Rushford. He attended Sandsness Country School followed by Rushford Public School.
After graduation, he was a farm hand for neighbor Ben Ryan. He joined the U.S. Army in January 1951. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S. C. He worked as a Military Policeman riding the train to Myrtle Beach to monitor GIs coming back to their post at Fort Jackson.
Harold met Arlene Wold through the close-knit community of Highland Prairie where they attended the same country school, church, and high school. After being boyfriend and girlfriend since their country school days, they were married at the Highland Prairie Lutheran Church on November 20, 1954.
Once married, they lived and farmed 600 acres on crop land and woodlands west of Rushford, the community of North Prairie. Harold and Arlene farmed the land together, first with his brother and sister-in-law, and then with their five daughters. They raised dairy cattle, beef cattle, hogs, and many acres of corn, soybeans, oats and alfalfa.
Harold was also active in many local organizations. He was a member of North Prairie Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, Luther League leader, but his favorite group was the Men’s Dart Ball Team, playing every Monday night against other local churches and several trips to the state tournaments. Harold was also on the Arendahl Township Board, and ran the township snow plow for many years.
Once Harold and Arlene were semi-retired from farming (no livestock), they spent 20 winters in South Padre Island, Tex. Harold loved walking on the beach in the warm sun and waves.
Harold and Arlene’s greatest joy are their five girls. Harold always said they were his best helpers on the farm. He didn’t need boys! He and his girls worked with cattle and hogs, (“chasing cows” – IYKYK), spring planting, summer cutting and chopping hay, and fall harvest. He was the best “Girl Dad”!
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Arlene (Wold) Jensen; and five daughters and their families: Diane Drinkall (Jennifer and Patrick Skiba, [Peter, Abigail, Andrew, Matthew, and Sarah], Adam Drinkall, and Stephanie Drinkall), Lori Potter (Matthew Potter, Megan and Kyle Seamans [Lilly, Ross and Ellori], Cindy and Jeff Wills (Mike and Jean Wills [Ethan and Jacob], Eric and Dal Wills [Kaiyan], Anne and Travis Klassen [Olivia and Arya], and Grant Wills), Sue and Steve Karlson (Kris Karlson and fiancé Jennifer Jarnstrom), Kayla and Kris Hodgins [Charlotte, Leo and Lincoln], Ashley and Wes Howland [Raina, Parker, Gavin and Emma], and Peter Karlson), Ann and Dan Arp (Abby and partner Camryn Kinnan). He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law Madeline Jensen, and nephew and nieces Christopher Jensen, Carol (Jensen) Nygren, and Kimberly (Wold) Zwart.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas, son-in-law Jerry Drinkall, and brother and sister-in-law Earl and Ame Wold.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at North Prairie Lutheran Church, 35957 State Highway 30, rural Lanesboro, Minn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to North Prairie Lutheran Church.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Jensen family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
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