Faye J. Jensen

Faye Janeanne Jensen, 92, of Volin, South Dakota, went to be with our Lord and Savior on October 16th, 2024. Faye was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all whose lives she touched. Faye was known for her vivacious personality and always made the people around her smile. She had a love of music, singing, dancing and storytelling.

Faye was born on a homestead northeast of Irene, SD on March 3rd, 1932, to Tinus and Ellen (Andersen) Jensen. Faye grew up in the small town of Irene, where she attended country school and helped on her family farm. On April 12th, 1952, Faye married the love of her life Dean M. Jensen, in Louisville, Kentucky where he was stationed in the military. Dean was deployed and Faye made her way back to their hometown of Irene and waited for him to get home. Shortly after Dean returned home, they began to build a life together. Together, they created a remarkable family, welcoming four children: Donlyn, Lyndon, Kenton, and Deanna. Faye and Dean shared their passion for family by running Dean and Faye’s Café, DJ’s and the Cardinal Cage with their children, building a legacy of love and togetherness. Faye would often tell the story of how her and Dean would grab their thermos and clubs and sneak away to go golfing together.

After Dean’s passing in 1978, Faye embraced the challenges of life with remarkable perseverance. Faye’s path in life took her to Wyoming, where she started a lengthy career at Worthing Van Services and Powder River Bus Lines handling many duties which included hauling railroad crews to and from the trains, dispatching and driving charter buses. She continued her path in life which brought her to Spearfish, where she found fulfillment as a Caregiver for many including her special friend Don Nelson. Faye loved her job, as it allowed her to give love and care to those in need. After retirement, Faye ventured back to her hometown of Irene to live out her remaining years spending time with her family and friends.

Faye’s adventurous spirit was evident in her love of doing many activities, especially activities that included music, singing and dancing. She would often visit her favorite singer Kenny Miller at the Tin Lizzy in Deadwood. She would be dressed to the nines with her dancing shoes on and he would always sing “Pretty woman” as she walked through the door. She loved rock collecting, playing BINGO, gardening, planting flowers, playing Pinochle, golfing, and so much more. Faye was a gifted singer with an angelic voice and enjoyed playing the organ and piano, attending church, and listening to music. Her greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends, and she had a special gift for connecting with everyone she met.

Faye is survived by her children, Lyndon Jensen and Deanna Huether; her grandchildren, Timarie (Alberto) Javier, Lacey (Josh Bohlmann) Jensen, Jasmine (Josh) Carr; Amy Jensen (Kyle Limoges), Roxanna Fowler, James Jensen; Robin (Jason) Masteller, Tommy (Mindy) Huether, Timmy (Cindy) Jensen, RaeLynn Schmidt, Kari (Jeremy) Nelson, Kelly (Adam) Christ, and Kyle (Katie) Huether; as well as 39 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren who will carry her legacy forward.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean; sons, Donlyn and Kenton; her parents, Tinus and Ellen; her brothers, Dewayne and Keith; and her grandson, Joey McManus.

Faye Janeanne Jensen lived a life full of love, resilience, and connection. In our hearts, you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Your legacy lives on in the love and values you instilled in us.

“We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So, make sure your story is a good one.” – Nishan Panwar