Mitchell Jenson, 49, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015.
Mitch was born Oct. 31, 1966, in Albert Lea, Minn., to Clair and Charlene (Petersen) Jenson. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1985. After graduation he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 24 years. While in the service he married Shari Godtland, and together they raised one son, Jordan.
During his military career he was assigned to numerous Marine bases around the world; his favorites included Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Calif., and Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. Throughout his highly decorated military career he held many honorable positions: Drill Instructor, Accident Reconstructionist, Provost Sergeant, and Deputy Provost Marshall. In 2008, he was honored to be selected to attend the National FBI Academy. Upon retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, he moved to Rochester, where he started his civilian career as a Rochester police officer.
In 2009, he met the love of his life and best friend, Alissa Abrams. They were united in marriage on June 23, 2012, in Albert Lea. Together they raised one daughter, Brooklyn. They enjoyed riding their Harley-Davidson, golfing, traveling all over the world, and attending Brooklyn’s activities. He loved his three dogs, Charlie, Lucy, and Kirby.
Mitch devoted his life to his family, Marine Corps family, and Rochester Police Department family. He will always be remembered for being a guardian to his Marine brothers and sisters, and also to his Rochester Police Department brothers and sisters. He will be remembered for his inability to use his indoor voice and his loud laughter.
Mitch is survived by his wife, Alissa, stepdaughter Brooklyn of Rochester, son Jordan of Albert Lea, parents Clair and Charlene Jenson of Albert Lea, sister Shawn (Dean) Vanhal of Ellendale, Minn., brother Randy (Carole) Jenson of Rochester, and sisters Jonelle Ignaszewski of Albert Lea and Kris Saari of Rochester, mother- and father-in-law Bruce and Patti Anderson of Lake Mills, Iowa, and sisters-in-law Stacy (Jason) Gisel of Hudson, Wis., and Jill (Pat Schacherer) Anderson of Des Moines, Iowa. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family members who adored him.
A funeral service will be on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2830 18th Ave. NW, Rochester. Visitation will be on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester and one hour prior to the service Sunday at the church. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.