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Neil Owen Jensen, age 70, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family in his home on Sunday, December 22, 2024, after a 10-year battle with a rare brain neurological disease called LogoPenic Aphasia. He was born on October 10, 1954, in Harlan, Iowa, to Marlin Edwy Jensen and Sarah Hulda (Pike) Jensen.
Neil’s life was marked by a deep commitment to faith, family, country, service, and leadership. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America on November 22, 1970, and was nominated by his troop to the Order of the Arrow. He was an exemplary student at Tri-Center Community High School (Class of 1972) in Neola, Iowa, where he was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Neil’s commitment to excellence continued through his education, military service, and business career. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in June 1976. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy and deployed to the Indian Ocean and beyond as Navigator aboard the USS Downes (FF 1070) and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his service from 1979 to 1982. After leaving the Navy, Neil served in the Navy Reserves achieving his final rank of Lt. Commander. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Neil went on to earn an MBA from National University in San Diego, California, in 1981.
Neil married the love of his life, Frances (Fran) Jensen, on November 17, 1979, at Chula Vista Presbyterian Church in California. They had three children, Sean Stunich (stepson), Timothy Jensen (Mariah), Shelby Jensen (Ian) and two fur babies, J.R., and Rocky who will greatly miss their father. Neil was also deeply committed to his extended family, including his sister, Rosemary Smith (Claude), sisters-in-law, Reta Clinkenbeard, and Alois Rogers, and many nieces and nephews. He cherished the memories he made with them.
Neil’s professional career spanned several fields, beginning with the U.S. Navy. Afterward, he worked for the companies Taco Bell, American Hospital, and Baxter Travenol before becoming Chief Operating Officer of Restaurant Management Company, which owned and operated many Pizza Huts, Long John Silvers, and Grandys. In 1997, Neil and Fran moved to Alabama, where they opened and operated three Donatos Pizza restaurants, in Madison (1997), Huntsville (1999), and Decatur (2000).
A man of strong, unwavering faith, Neil was actively involved in several Christian organizations throughout his life, including Promise Keepers, Men of Integrity, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Navigators. He was thrilled and honored to baptize both of his children. He was a current member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, and previously attended Whitesburg Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, a choir member, and involved in many activities. Neil was part of the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief as one of their chainsaw safety members. He was proud to be the Director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce with affiliations to Huntsville Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Chamber of Commerce. He was also involved in planting Celebration Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, where he contributed his time and energy to growing the community of believers.
Neil was an avid lover of sports and recreation enjoying golf, bowling, square dancing, racquetball, and a was skilled marksmen in archery as a participant with the Junior Olympians. He loved to watch the Alabama and Auburn college football games, and seldom ever missed a Navy football game. He delighted in attending/watching the Army-Navy games and usually gloated when Navy won.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Jensen; stepmother, Pernilla Jensen; his father, Marlin Jensen; and his stepson, Sean Stunich. He will be greatly missed by his community, his family, his friends, and all who knew him. His resounding hearty laughter will forever be remembered and cherished by the many who had the honor to know him.
A celebration of Neil’s life will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama, on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11am with visitation from 10-11am. Russ Leaphart will officiate. Special music will be provided. Pallbearers will include Tim Jensen, Ian Womack, Claude Smith, Rob Holaway, Derrick Banks, and David Roser. The family is grateful to Laughlin Service Funeral Home for their assistance in arranging Neil’s final services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Hospice of North Alabama, or a charity of your choice in Neil’s memory.
