Richard K. Jensen

Richard K. Jensen, 84, of Corfu passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. He was born on September 9, 1941 in Roseau, Minnesota to the late Harry and Audrey (Helstad) Jensen. In addition to his parents, Rick is predeceased by his first wife; Mary (Carney) Jensen.

He is survived by his wife; Bettina Jensen; daughters Kelly (Greg Marble) Jensen of Darien, Danielle (Johnny) Jensen Rodriguez of Batavia, Tracy Jensen of Corfu and Marrick (Jeremy) Hale of Corfu; sisters Charlotte (Ray) Lorenson of MN., and Marjory (Jim) Sadler of MN; grandchildren Scout (Sam), Quinn, Lilyana, Trey, Gunner and Ohlson, along with many nieces and nephews. 

From the beginning, Rick was an adventurous boy who was full of life. He grew up on a farm in rural Roseau, Minnesota with his parents and two sisters. He had many stories of his adventures working with the animals and tending to the land, most of which ended with a twist of humor and surprise.

Rick was a husband and father, first and foremost. He spent his days working hard to provide for his family through construction, welding and sheet metal trades. In his spare time, he loved to work with his hands. Whether he was bringing life back to an old tractor, building onto or renovating his home, working on his ‘61 Corvette or working at his church, he was a man with a servant's heart.

Anyone who knew Rick would agree: He was the most selfless, humble, patient, honest and loving man. Gifted with qualities that set the standard for what his four daughters would seek in their future husbands, he was a man of great integrity. Since his passing, messages have flooded in to express the profound impact that he had on those who knew him and loved him. 

Quietly teaching, guiding and living as an example of a righteous and humble man, Rick was acknowledged by his church for his devotion to serving its congregation in any and every way, receiving “The Lay Award of St. Joseph the Worker”. While he preferred not to be acknowledged, he considered it a great honor. Rick often worked behind the scenes, helping those less fortunate. A generous man who would give a ride or a meal to a wanderer, donate to the St. Luke’s Mission or stop for a stranger in need, he was a living example of what Jesus instructed: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40). 

Described as “one of one”, Rick will long be remembered as a great man. We can feel peace and joy knowing that on that fateful night, he was greeted with, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Friends are invited to call on Friday January 30th from 10:00-11:00AM at Holy Name of Mary 8656 Church St. East Pembroke, NY 14056, where an 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow visitation. Rick will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org or St. Luke’s Mission www.stlukesmissionofmercy.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.