Ernest Donald Jensen was born March 27, 1922 on a farm near Beresford, SD to parents Chris and Minnie (Lee) Jensen. He died November 10, 2010 at Bethesda of Beresford at the age of 88 years, seven months and 13 days.

Ernest spent his life on the farm. He had a lifetime membership in the American Angus Association and was a breeder of Black Angus cattle. In addition to farming, Ernest was a household appliance dealer and electrician.

November 23, 1975 he married Shirley Wulff Smith in DeSmet, SD and she assisted him in his business. He was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford and is a past member of the Sioux Falls Lodge of the Loyal Order of the Moose.

After retiring in 1996, Ernie enjoyed working with wood and gave away many of the bird houses and squirrel feeders he made. He and Shirley enjoyed many vacations with bus tours and short winter vacations to Florida.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; stepson, Fred M. Smith, Jr.; two step granddaughters, Bobbi Jo and Tamera Kay; four step great-grandchildren, Ethan, Uriah, Jade Marie and Halina, all of whom live in the Denver area; and many nieces and nephews. His parents; sisters, Isabell Reed, Ruth Yeoman, Esther Heglin, Evelyn Torry, Eileen Tollefson and Leona Bird; one brother, Raymond Jensen preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 2PM Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7PM at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with a prayer service at 7PM.