Virgil Jensen

Jan 1, 1933 -

Apr 9, 2023

Virgil "Virg" Jensen lost his battle with lung cancer on April 9, 2023, Easter Sunday, at the age of 90. He passed away peacefully at his Anchorage, Alaska, home surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his wife and lifelong love, JoAnn "Jo" Jensen and daughter Pam Herring (Gene).

Virgil was born on New Year's Day in 1933, in Grand Rapids, Minn., and was the youngest of 10 children. On June 10, 1953, Virgil was drafted into military service and was shipped to Korea for a year. After returning home he married his lifelong love, JoAnn Smith in 1955. In 1959, he graduated from Duluth Business University with his accounting degree.

In 1971, Virgil moved to Alaska, where his family soon followed. Virgil loved Alaska. He spent countless weekends fishing at his Kenai River cabin, duck hunting on the Susitna Flats, hunting caribou, moose and sheep in the mountains surrounding the Matanuska Glacier. He became involved with Fur Rondy and was a board member from 2006. He was also involved with Ducks Unlimited Spring Barbecue and Alaska Waterfowl Association, volunteering and keeping their books up to date. He retired after 23 years from Tryck, Nyman and Hayes.

Virgil was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Sr. (Sandy); daughter, Julie Zarr (Mike); seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and countless friends. He was a true Alaska Pioneer and will be missed by all.

A celebration of life for "POPS" will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. at O'Malley's on the Green, 3651 O'Malley Road in Anchorage.