Jens Tennefos

Jens Junior Tennefos, 78, of Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Innovis Hospital, Fargo, ND. Jens, the son of Ivah (Gilbraith) and Jens Tennefos was born February 15, 1930. He was born at his family home in Fargo. He graduated from Fargo Central High School with the class of 1947. After high school, he entered the Engineering program at North Dakota State University in Fargo. In 1949, Jens joined his father and brother in founding Tennefos Construction. He continued to run the company, after the loss of his father and brother, until 1974, when he phased out of the business and began his career in politics. There was never a question as to where his loyalties stood. He was a staunch Republican. He served in both the North Dakota House of Representatives and the State Senate for 23 years. Jens met the love of his life, Jeanne Quamme, in 1959, and they were married the following year. He was president of North Dakota’s chapter of Association of General Contractors and was also chairman of the board of trustees for the North Dakota Construction Employees/Trust and Welfare Plan. Jens was a man of commitment and loyalty. He was a true example of what it meant to love family, work hard and bless others. He always made time to be there for his children and grandchildren. It didn’t matter what the activity was, he was always there with an encouraging word from the bleachers or a hug at the end. He characterized the meaning of hard work. He learned early on, from his father, “to never ask your men to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.” No job was ever too big for Jens. His heart for Oak Grove and Olivet Lutheran church were evidenced by his commitment and devotion to both places for many years. Jens was a firm believer of “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Jens is survived by his wife, Jeanne, Fargo, ND; four children, Daniel (Joan) Tennefos, Fargo, ND; David (Vicky) Tennefos, Spearfish, SD; Judie (Scott) VandeVoort, Fargo, ND: Mary (Dave) Shoji, Honolulu, HI; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Janet (Keith Heedum) Roberts, Kansas City, MO; and Gertrude (Norris) Scott, Cheyenne, WY; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Peter. Memorials are preferred to Olivet Lutheran Church or Oak Grove Lutheran High School. Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at 2:00 PM at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Monday, May 19, 2008, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer Service: Monday, May 19, 2008, at 7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.