Ronald K. Jensen

Ronald K. Jensen January 3, 1947 – April 9, 2025

Ronald K. Jensen, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, on April 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on January 3, 1947, to Dean Carlile and Wilma Jean Jensen in Rupert, Idaho.

Ron was raised on a farm in Heyburn, Idaho, alongside his seven siblings. He graduated from Minico High School, where he met his beloved wife, Joyce Thalman. The couple attended Ricks College together and married on December 17, 1966, recently celebrating their 58th anniversary.

Life and Legacy After residing in Burley, Idaho, for five years, Ron and Joyce settled in Rupert, where they built three homes and two businesses. Ron worked at Idaho Sheet Metal for 15 years before purchasing the company in 1982 and renaming it Idaho Equipment and Sheet Metal (IESM). Under his leadership, IESM became a cornerstone of custom fabrication in the food processing industry. He retired in 2012, selling the business to his son, Bud, and sons-in-law Shane Kloer and Justin Young, cementing it as a family legacy. Four of his children and nine of his eleven grandchildren have contributed to the company over the years.

Ron’s passions included family, adventure, and craftsmanship. He enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, camping, four wheeling, fishing, remote-controlled vehicles and drones, boating, riding his Goldwing motorcycle, photography, and golf. In 1989, he and his family constructed a 70x18-foot houseboat, later featured in the 1993 film Benefit of the Doubt. For 35 years, the family cherished summers at Lake Powell, creating lifelong memories.

An avid golfer, Ron coached and cheered for his children and grandchildren at tournaments for over four decades. He loved participating in Pro-Ams, where he formed lasting bonds with his teammates. When his son developed an interest in golf at age seven, Ron joined him on the course, often playing 54 holes in a day. Joyce and the girls also took up golf, ensuring quality time together. He played in many Pro-Am events and made lifelong friendships. He was especially thrilled to be on The Board of Directors at Rupert Country Club and was able to help design the new back nine.

He also restored vintage cars, earning multiple “Best of Show” awards, and co-founded The Gathering Place Quilt Shop, with Joyce in 1998, to revitalize Rupert’s downtown. The family spent three months remodeling the quilt shop. Ron became the captain of all things inventory and computer. He patiently guided all of the employees for the last twenty-six years, including creating a point-of-sale system for bookkeeping, before the 17,000 bolts of fabric arrived without bar codes.

A skilled pilot, he flew his Piper Aerostar for work and leisure, often flying into Boise where the air traffic controller would great him “Good morning, Ron” after hearing his deep distinguished voice calling in. Another fun experience he had with his plane was participating in the film Desperate Hours. Two of his favorite vacations included spending the summer in Alaska fishing with his brother Ken as fishing guide and attending the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta in 2009 with Bud and Joyce.

Ron enjoyed his 12 retirement winters in Las Vegas with his two loves, Joyce and his motorhomes. He loved to get out of the cold, get away from the chaos, and treasured the time with his “Dear” all to himself.

Military Service and Community: Ron served six years in the Idaho National Guard’s tank division, earning the Outstanding Trainee award at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His deep commitment to family and community left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Surviving Family: He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Jo Manning; his parents; grandparents; in-laws; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and numerous extended family members.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children Jamie (Shane) Kloer, Joni (Justin) Young, and Anthony “Bud” (Tiffany) Jensen; grandchildren Kalen, Carson (Jacobi), Madalen Manning, Gage, Luke, Austin Kloer, Ava, Reddik Young, Bodey, Gretta, and Mack Jensen; great-granddaughters Knoxli Jo and Berkley Manning; siblings Pat (Dell) Anderson, Kenneth (Linda) Jensen, Teresa (Allen) Jensen, Dwight (Jan) Jensen, Rita (Dwight) Andersen, Chris (Bobra) Jensen, and Janet (Todd) Heiner; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services and Memorials: A private graveside ceremony will be held at Paul Cemetery in Paul, Idaho, on April 18, 2025. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brian Muir, Dr. Gwendolyn Fonebi of Portneuf Cancer Center, and Autumn Crest Hospice especially Samra Knopp and her wonderful staff, for their compassionate care. We only had them for a few days, but they were fantastic. We’d also like to thank all the wonderful friends and family that have brought prayers, flowers, friendship, and food. A big Thank you to Hansen Mortuary, especially Dena, for their compassionate help. Thanks also to the wonderful employees at The Gathering Place. Ron loved each and every one of you. You all made his retirement life possible. Arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary. Donate to Honor Ron with a Memorial Tree and Wee Links Donation, a gofund.me account has been set up by Bud Jensen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to plant a tree in Ron’s memory at Rupert Country Club (suggested location: the seventh hole, replacing “Eileen”)