Robert Jensen Obituary

Robert Allen Jensen-known affectionately as Bob-passed away on Monday, October 14th, 2025, at Essentia Health in Brainerd at the age of 72. Bob's memory will be cherished, defined by years of dedicated public service, a devoted marriage, and the unique gift he left behind: the story of his life, written in his own words.

Born on September 22, 1953, to Arnold and Dorothy Jensen in Brookings, South Dakota, Bob spent his teen years growing up in Mankato, Minnesota. After graduating from Mankato High School, he joined the Army in 1972. Bob spent three years in the service, including two years stationed in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany, where his passion for travel began as he journeyed through many other countries.

After his tour of duty concluded in 1975, he returned to Mankato before moving to New Prague to work at International Foods. It was there that he met the love of his life, Deborah Tikalsky. They were married on June 6, 1980, in New Prague, MN, beginning a partnership that spanned more than four decades.

Their next chapter began when they moved to Alexandria, where Bob furthered his education at Alexandria College, earning an Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement in 1982. He began his career as a police officer in Sauk Centre before moving to Isle, Minnesota. Bob was hired by the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff and was later promoted to Investigator, a demanding position he held with honor until his retirement in 1995. Following his law enforcement career, Bob undertook a second career with the United States Postal Service, from which he also retired in 2009.

Bob and Deb were blessed with two children, Bradley Wayne and Elizabeth Jean.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time at their RV trailer on Aitkin Lake, and traveling.

Bob is sadly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Deborah "Deb" Jensen of Isle; his son, Bradley (Julie) Jensen of Maple Grove, MN; his daughter, Elizabeth (Ryan) of Aitkin, MN; his brother, Steve (Gail) of Cass Lake, MN; and his sister, Karen Roeschlein of Isle, MN; grandchildren, Alex, Natalie, and Hailey Henry of Aitkin, MN; Raiden Jensen of Maple Grove, MN; and great-granddaughter, Eleanor Hutchison of Aitkin, MN.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Jensen; his mother, Dorothy Jensen; his brother-in-law, Jerald Roeschlein; his grandparents; all of his uncles and aunts; and his best friend, Robert Fields "Bowie."

A celebration of life was held at the Mille Lacs Methven Funeral Home in Isle on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Fort Ripley at a later date.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Mille Lacs Chapel, Isle, Minnesota www.methvenfuneralhome.com