Terry M. Jensen

Terry M. Jensen, 86, of Idaho Falls, passed away August 3, 2025, at his home. He was under the care of his family and Brio Hospice.

Terry was born on January 6, 1939, in Shelley, Idaho, to Moyne and Roma Jensen. He started school at the old Riverside School with A.H. Bush as his teacher. After growing up in Idaho, and California, he graduated from Idaho Falls High School with the class of 1957. He went to BYU, Ricks College, and Montana State on Track and Cross-Country scholarships. While at BYU he was involved in a man vs. horse race from Salt Lake to Heber City. On a dare, he tried out to be a cheerleader, and made the squad, becoming the first male cheerleader at Ricks College. He received a full-ride scholarship in track and cross-country to Montana State University.

In 1961, he joined School District 91, teaching at the old Central Junior High. He taught history and P.E., coached high school cross-country, Junior High football, 8th grade basketball, wrestling, and 9th grade track. After 2 years, he desired a stronger foundation for teaching elementary students and decided to take a year’s leave of absence to get a master’s degree and then returned to District 91.

This began a long relationship teaching and coaching for School District 91, where he created many programs, including girls’ cross-country, all city jump rope championships, 6th grade track meets, girls’ recreational softball program, elementary school P.E. program, and the first written joint-use agreement with the City of Idaho Falls for facilities usage.

In 1964, he married Lanae Otteson in the Idaho Falls Temple. They have 4 children: Lori, Marcy, Travis, and Kimberly.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in two bishoprics, and was active in scouting.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, spending time with his kids and grandchildren, and supporting them in their activities. He usually had his camera with him, and has created many photo albums of his adventures. After retirement, he enjoyed many fun travels around the world, including Europe, Alaska, and Florida. He loved seeing the sites and also discussing and sharing his knowledge (he had a minor in history) of these amazing places.

Terry is survived by his wife, Lanae Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Lori (Kevin) Webb of Richmond, UT; daughter, Marcy (Kim) Hanson of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Travis (Patti) Jensen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Kimberly (Joel) Benson of Chubbuck, ID; brother, Ted (Carol) Jensen of Boise, ID; brother, Kirk (Jean) Jensen of Fruit Heights, UT; 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Moyne and Roma Jensen.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Idaho Falls 24th Ward, 1155 East First Street in Idaho Falls. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday evening and Saturday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. prior, both visitations at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery.

You can watch the services broadcast live here