Joel L. Jensen

Joel Leonard Jensen, age 67 of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on July 23, 2019. Joel was born on September 13, 1951 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Ellsworth and Joyce (Dildine) Jensen. He spent most of his childhood in the communities of Wabasha and Stewartville, Minnesota. He graduated from Stewartville High School in 1969, and continued his education majoring in English. Joel married Linda (Senske) Miller in 1972. His 3 children, Joshua, Emily, and Erin were born to him through this marriage. Joel married Becky (Tank) Johnson on May 23, 1997. Joel gained a third daughter, Beth, through this marriage. Joel often referred to himself as a jack of all trades and master of none. Throughout his life he was employed in a diverse number of occupations including store manager, radio disk jockey, over the road truck driver, limousine chauffeur, and motor coach driver. His lifelong passion for and interest in computers ultimately gave him his second career as a network system administrator. In addition to computers, Joel loved singing, reading, doing crossword puzzles, traveling, and was intensely competitive at board games. He was a master of subtle jokes and teasing and could strike up a conversation with anyone over any subject. When weather permitted, he loved to ride his motorcycle on long, scenic drives around southern Minnesota. He most of all loved spending time with his grandkids, especially laying on the floor playing with toys, FaceTiming with Ben, and attending concerts and events. Joel knew his Lord from an early age. As Joel grew in that knowledge, he continued to be overwhelmed by the incredible love and grace of Jesus his Savior. Joel was involved in many areas of leadership and service at St John’s. Some of his many activities included: Church Council, Elders, choirs, and several bible studies each week. He spearheaded ministry through technology at St. John’s. Joel had a passion for being in and connecting people with the Word. In recent years he developed a passion for theology and Bible study. The devotional that he lovingly wrote on a daily basis has been a source of encouragement and strength for readers around the world. Joel is survived by his wife Becky; children, Josh and Jen Jensen, Emily Kosmala, Erin and Eric Reynolds, and Beth and Eric Halvorson, as well as his 9 grandchildren, Moriah, Liam, Aidan, and Cooper Jensen; Meghan and Aleksander Kosmala; Anna and Colton Stein-Kosmala, and Ben Halvorson; brother, Tom (Linda) Jensen; sister, Susan Jensen Nagel; mother-in-law, Eileen Tank; and by many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth and Joyce; and by his father-in-law, Donald Tank. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2019, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Pastor Jason Thiel and Pastor Jon Zimpelmann officiating. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and to a reception immediately following the service, all at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.