Martin Jensen, 81, Owatonna
Martin John Jensen, of Owatonna, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Prairie Cottages of Owatonna.
Martin was born on Feb. 6, 1944, in Havana Township to Jens Ansgar and Marie (Helms) Jensen. During his childhood, his family moved several times before settling in Park Rapids, in 1952. Raised as a farmer’s son, Martin learned early the value of hard work—harvesting fields with horse-drawn machinery, driving a tractor at a young age, and milking cows by hand until electricity came to the farm. He was especially proud of his Jersey cows, which he proudly showed at the Minnesota State Fair on three occasions.
Martin attended country schools and joined the National Guard during his junior year of high school. After graduating from Park Rapids High School in 1963, he completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and went on to serve his country for seven years.
During his military training, Martin began dating his childhood sweetheart, Darlene Herget. The couple was married in September 1965 and together they welcomed three children. They shared 60 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary in 2025.
Throughout his working years, Martin was employed by O.M.C., providing janitorial services for Owatonna schools and St. John Church for seven years. He also returned to farming in Long Prairie. His final employment was with the Wenger Company, where he worked for 19 years before retiring. In retirement, Martin drove school bus part time, a job he greatly enjoyed, especially spending time with the children he transported.
Martin had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting and ice fishing. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, riding his Gold Wing for over 30 years. Through biking, he traveled extensively, formed lasting friendships, and took pride in serving as a director of his motorcycle riding chapter. Camping was a favorite pastime with Darlene during retirement, and time spent with his three granddaughters brought him great joy.
Martin is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene Jensen; children Joni Trotter of North Carolina and Michael (Andrea) Jensen of Owatonna; special granddaughters Arianna and Alexa Trotter, and Auden Jensen; sister Janet Maki; brother Wayne Jensen; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Steven Jensen; son-in-law Tom Trotter; granddaughter Alyssa Trotter; brother Everett Jensen; and stepbrother Marlowe Helms.
Funeral service is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Ave. SE, Owatonna. Friends may greet the family Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, from 4-7 p.m., and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment will follow at Owatonna Memorial Gardens.
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.