Steven Jensen

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Obituary

Steven Jensen, 71, of Alpena, SD, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, March 20, at Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket, SD. Burial will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Wessington Springs, SD. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 19, from 5-7:00 PM at Spirit of Faith Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Born on June 3, 1953, in Fayetteville, NC, Steve was the eldest of five children born to Bobby and Ruth (Hindman) Jensen. His family moved to Storla, SD shortly after his birth and later settled in Alpena, SD in 1955. Steve was baptized at Storla Lutheran Church and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Woonsocket. He attended Alpena High School, where he excelled as a standout athlete, earning All-State honors in football and receiving recognition in both basketball and track. His passion for basketball remained with him throughout his life, and his charismatic nature made him a friend to everyone he met. Steve balanced his athletic pursuits with the hard work of helping on the family farm before school each day.

Steve’s love for horses began at a young age, sparked by his time on the family farm. He often rode horses bareback and treasured his childhood pony, Scout, whom he and his siblings learned to ride. One unforgettable story from his youth recalls a trip to Fargo, where a banker sought to buy Scout for his daughter, but Steve’s father refused to sell the beloved pony. Steve’s grandfather, Ralph Hindman, later bought a horse named Ace, which became an integral part of the family’s horse legacy. It was on Ace that Steve’s children learned to ride, and he continued to breed horses, always keeping a filly from Ace’s bloodline. He still had two of them—Steph and Lightning—when he passed. Steve’s love for racing took flight when he got back into the sport at age15, purchasing a horse named Four Fame Socks at the South Dakota State Fair and breaking him to race. In 1970, Steve took three racehorses to Belle Fourche, winning three out of his first four races, setting the stage for a long and successful career in racing across several states.

After graduating from high school in 1971, Steve began working alongside his father driving the grain truck, a job that led to his involvement in the agricultural industry. In 1977, Steve bought into the family business, Jensen Grain Company, where he and his father operated elevators in Lane, Plankinton, Armour, and Woonsocket. Steve managed the Plankinton elevator until 2005, expanding his network of friends and deepening his connections across the region. After retiring from the elevator business, Steve partnered with his son Terry in the feedlot industry, where they cared for and fed cattle, both for their own operation and for others.

Steve married Vicki Larson on August 12, 1972, and together they raised three children: Sandi, Terry, and Michelle. In 2016, after Vicki became ill, Steve took on the role of caregiver, showing unwavering dedication to her until her passing. In 2018, Steve found love again when he married Joan Hoefert, a relationship that brought new joy and fulfillment to his life. With Joan, Steve gained two stepchildren and four step-grandchildren, adding to the growing family he cherished.

Steve delighted in spending time with his kids and grandkids, would entertain them with stories, many of which will live on in our hearts. Steve had a natural ability to make people laugh, bringing joy and warmth wherever he went. He always enjoyed catching up and reminiscing with old friends.

In 2023, Steve faced a major health challenge when he suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. Despite the odds, Steve’s indomitable spirit and determination allowed him to overcome these obstacles and continue living life to the fullest. Many would have given up, but Steve’s resilience and stubbornness kept him moving forward. One of our most memorable memories will be at a recent basketball game of his grandson’s, where, reminiscing with old rivals, Steve used his tenacity and was wheeled onto the court and take what would be his final shot, in which he made. It was the perfect way for him to go out, doing what he loved. The next day, Steve suffered another stroke which would eventually take his life, but his final moments were a testament to the strength and courage that defined his life.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Joan Jensen; his children: Sandi (Melinda) Jensen, Terry (Sarah) Jensen, and Michelle (David) Stahl; and his stepchildren: Becki (Brandon) Haiar and Cristin (Jason) Weber. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Tesa, Tristan, Landon, and Lauren Jensen; Kaitlyn, Kayleigh, Kenleigh, and Karsyn Stahl; Sawyer, Sullivan, and Spencer Jensen-Moore; and step-grandchildren Haleigh, Raleigh Haiar, and Hadley and Finley Weber. Steve is also survived by his mother, Ruth Jensen; siblings Valerie (Glen) Hohn, Craig (Peggi) Jensen, David (Kathy) Jensen, and Vicki (Orville) Harmdierks; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vicki Jensen; father, Bobby Jensen; and grandparents, Clifford & Nellie Jensen and Ralph & Helen Hindman; and his niece, Stephanie Jensen.

Steve’s life was marked by his hard work, his devotion to family, and his unshakable love for horses, basketball, and his community. His infectious smile, boundless generosity, and commitment to those he loved will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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