Eldon M. Jenson

Eldon Milford Jenson, eldest son of Milford Harold Jenson and Delila (Lila) May Hansen, returned to his Heavenly home on September 6, 2026, surrounded by family just 10 days before his 97th birthday.

Eldon was born Monday, September 16, 1929, in the home of his grandparents, Hyrum and Emma Hansen, in College Ward, Utah. He grew up and lived almost his entire life within a few hundred yards of his parents’ home. Eldon learned the value of hard work by helping with daily chores on his parents’ farm: milking 8 cows every morning by hand, raising 1,500 white leghorn hens and collecting and cleaning their eggs, tending to 45 sheep and maintaining a large garden.

Eldon followed in his father’s footsteps and was called to serve a 2 ½ year mission to Sweden (March 6, 1950-October 28, 1952). It took 21 days to sail from the US to Sweden. He served in several towns from Stockholm in the south to Lulea just below the Arctic Circle.

After his return, Eldon met and courted Norma Nelson; until he was drafted into the Army on February 18, 1953. He did his basic training at Fort Ord, CA. Many letters were written between Eldon and Norma, and during furlough, they were married in the Logan Temple on July 2, 1953. He then reported to Fort Bragg, NC on September 3, 1953, for intelligence training. On December 6, 1953, Eldon left to spend 14 months in Korea. He was in military intelligence (G-2 ) working as a Photo Interpreter. Eldon received an award for his outstanding service from his superior. “His willingness to work long hours, accept responsibility, cheerful attitude and knowledge of G-2 air functions were of great assistance to his superiors in maintaining continuity of operations and efficiency. He performed all his assigned duties in an outstanding and exemplary manner.” Corporal Jenson received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably separated from the Army February 10, 1955.

Soon after returning from Korea, Eldon began a career as an electrician. He apprenticed for Cache Valley Electric, working on electrical jobs from Logan to Ogden. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and was a Union member for over 70 years. He worked as a journeyman electrician throughout the western US. He then went to work for Thiokol, where he spent more than 27 years, retiring in 1991. He was always doing side jobs as an electrician for extra money but always said he enjoyed doing it because it helped people. He would often barter rather than take money for his work, trading for services. That came in handy when in 1967, Eldon and Norma built their home in College Ward. Eldon loved ‘puttering’ around the property doing yardwork, chores, and maintaining the home that he shared with his family for more than 55 years.

Eldon loved his wife and children, Jana Lee, Eldon Jr., and Jill Annette very much. He always said his chosen family was his greatest blessing. He often was heard to say, “That his family brought much joy to his life, and that family is the most important thing in this life because that is all you can take out of this life.”

Eldon was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and resided in the College and Spring Creek Wards where he served in many callings. He was called to serve on the High Council November 1957 at 28 years of age. In 1961, at age 31, Eldon was called as 1st counselor in the College Ward Bishopric. Eldon served alongside his wife, Norma as service and activity chairmen. This calling was a blessing to all who were on their committee. They would host a party to plan the activity and another party to evaluate and thank their committee members. They were inclusive to everyone. Everyone felt needed. They served in this position for 17 years. In 1993, Eldon and Norma began serving in the Logan Temple as ordinance workers, where they served twice a week for over 23 years. Eldon was a diligent Home Teacher and enjoyed building relationships with his families. He never missed an opportunity to visit with those he was assigned.

Eldon always found ways to share the gospel. He purchased, wrapped and included his testimony in Books of Mormon that he would place in motels. He always looked out for the widows in the ward with fruit deliveries and Santa visits. He loved nature and was very nurturing when it came to taking care of the land. He grew beautiful gardens, his acreage was always planted, and plentiful crops of hay, grain and barley were grown. He planted trees on the hillside of the creek and around his home. He loved nature and enjoyed fishing, hunting ducks, pheasants and trapping muskrats, and especially raising beagle dogs. He loved to feed and watch the birds. Eldon enjoyed oil painting, square dancing, visiting Europe, Israel and the Holy Land with his wife, and taking his family on many fun vacations. He was always ready for a good game of cards or dominoes and enjoyed putting puzzles together. He could often be found reading a book, especially westerns by Louis L’Amour.

Eldon and Norma loved their life in College Ward and were so grateful for their dear friends and neighbors who enriched their lives through friendship and service.

After losing Norma, his dear wife of 70 years in January 2024, Eldon moved into Copper Creek Assisted Living Center in South Jordan, UT where he resided until his passing. He brought joy to all who knew him and cared for him. Eldon was a sweet man with a gentle spirit and fun sense of humor.

A heartfelt thank you to all those who kindly cared for Eldon at Copper Creek. Eldon was a member of the River Heights Branch that met at Copper Creek. They visited him every Sunday, making him feel loved and remembered. Canyon Hospice was always there to offer the care that he needed for the last few years of his life. He appreciated his nurse Renee and her crew, Jennifer, who got him ready for each day, and Kelli the Chaplain, who calmed all his worries. His family is so grateful to all who came to assist him.

Eldon is survived by his children Jana Lee Buck (David), Eldon Milford Jenson Jr (Amy) and Jill Annette Fetty (Charles), 8 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Edwin Hyrum Jenson (Arvona) and Douglas Max Jenson.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Lila Jenson, his wife Norma Nelson Jenson, his brother Ronald Dee Jenson, and Sisters-in-Law, Gayle Jenson and Peggy Jenson.

FUNERAL SERVICE:

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 South 100 East, Logan, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The interment will be at the Logan City Cemetery. 

The funeral service can be viewed via Zoom at the following link: (link to be inserted)