Gary Lee Jensen

Gary Lee Jensen, 81, of Mission Viejo, California, passed away on June 24, 2023 from multiple health challenges at Providence Mission Hospital. He was predeceased by his mother, Maxine Margaret Jensen, and brother Gene Jensen. He left behind brother Ron Jensen, beloved wife 56 years, Karen Jensen, daughters Shellie Massick and Kimberlee Mitchell and their husbands Jerry Massick and Keith Mitchell; grandchildren Emma Massick, Olivia Massick, and Claire Massick, Clark Massick and his wife Janelle and their son Atticus; Chloe Mitchell and Kellen Mitchell.

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1941, Gary lived his early years near lake Okoboji in northwestern Iowa with his mother, brothers, and stepfather Roy Jensen. He attended Arnold's Park High School where he played basketball, a sport he loved.

In the mid 1950's, his family moved to Whittier, California. Gary attended Sierra High School and played varsity basketball. He was drafted into the United States Army at age 23 and trained at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He was an award-winning rifle sharpshooter and his specialty was a radio operator.

After he was honorably discharged, he began working at Purex in Los Angeles. He later owned and operated Magic Dragon Carpet Cleaning and Ful Care Building Maintenance, a commercial janitorial service, for 50 years.

In 1967, he married wife Karen, a friend from the crosstown rival high school. They lived in Laguna Beach, Dana Point and ultimately bought their forever home in Mission Viejo in 1970, where they raised their two daughters.

Gary enjoyed coaching girl's soccer for Mission Viejo Soccer Club and girl's varsity soccer at Capistrano Valley High School.

Gary and his wife were members of Ocean Hills Church in San Juan Capistrano. In his retirement years, Gary worked at Ocean Hills Church and Home Depot in Mission Viejo.

Gary and his bride enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Lakers, gardening, and home projects together. He enjoyed drawing and playing his guitar. His wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and becoming a great grandfather was a recent celebration.

For his 80th birthday, the family recreated Neil Diamond's Hot August Night concert that Gary and Karen attended in 1972. The family enjoyed a memorable evening of singing together the tunes that brought back great family memories.

Gary was a humble, warm, generous man who went out of his way to make people smile and feel special. He was hardworking and dedicated to his wife and daughters. A long time Christ follower, Gary's family finds peace in knowing their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather is in the arms of His King.

Gary's Celebration of Life will be held at the Jensen family home in Mission Viejo California on September 23, 2023 from 2:00pm to 5:00 pm with remarks at 3:00pm.