Neal Richard Jensen

Redmond, Utah - Neal Richard Jensen, age 68, of Redmond, died February 24, 2017 at his home. Neal was born January 15, 1949 in Salina, Utah, a son of George Therral and Donna Lee Hendricks Jensen. The majority of his childhood was spent with his brother James and sister Ann in the suburbs of Salt Lake City where his love of cars quickly took root. By the time he was a teenager, he was firmly entrenched in the automotive culture and was frequently seen cruising the neighborhood in his 1956 Ford Victoria, a car that his future wife would affectionately refer to as the "Stinkbug". In 1969, a few years after the passing of his father, he was drafted into the 4th Infantry of the United States Army and deployed to active service in Vietnam. He served for 10 months on the front lines before being honorably discharged. After his military service, he returned to Salt Lake City and married his childhood sweetheart, Rese' Marie Snyder, on September 10, 1973. Neal was employed by Wheeler Machinery in Salt Lake City as a diesel mechanic. In 1978, shortly after the birth of his son, Adam, the new family relocated to Redmond, Utah, to continue his employment at Wheeler Machinery in Salina. in 1979, not long after their arrival in Sevier County, their daughter April was born. In early 2004, his wife, Rese' was diagnosed with cancer and passed away later that year. Despite the heartbreak from losing his best friend, his children and grandchildren were with him as he spent the remaining years of his life continuing to do what he enjoyed the most. Neal was an avid auto collector and repairman. He was especially interested in old Chrysler hemi engines and British cars, primarily Mimi cars, and had collected several throughout the years. He was also a dedicated Formula 1 race fan and would never miss a chance to cheer on Team Ferrari. Neal was a very outspoken atheist and a strong supporter of free and critical thought. He was also a dedicated defender of science and spent a large portion of his free time reading and learning about scientific and historical subjects. His greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his grandchildren. He was visited regularly at his home, and all of the kids always wanted to spend as much time as they could with their Papa. He is survived by his son, Adam (Alex) Jensen of Salt Lake City; daughter April (Justus) Norcross of Redmond; sister, Ann Jensen Dobbs of Salina; brother, James (Teresa) Jensen of Grantsville; grandchildren: Cydnee, Porscha, Courtnee, Hayes and Lennox. He was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Rese' Marie Jensen; his father, George Therral Jensen and mother, Donna Lee Jensen. Neal had enormous impact on the lives of everyone he met, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." Carl Sagan Grave side services will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 12 Noon in the Redmond City Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Salina, Friday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Redmond American Legion Post #118 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Redmond City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.