Charles Gaylen Jensen

Charles Gaylen Jensen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, in Murray, Utah, at the age of 87. He was born on June 11, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ernell Jensen and Leda Faye Jensen.

Gaylen grew up in the Harvard-Yale area of Salt Lake City, a place he fondly described as having given him "an angelic childhood." He maintained lifelong friendships with Dave and Jess Fox, friendships that endured to the very end. He attended East High School, where he pursued his love of music as a member of the East High Madrigals.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gaylen served a 3 year mission in Finland, where he had the unique blessing of serving alongside his twin brother, Graydon. Their time together on the mission became especially meaningful, as it was cut short not long after their return when Graydon tragically lost his life in an auto-pedestrian accident. This sudden and heartbreaking loss deeply impacted Gaylen and his family.

Following his mission, Gaylen served in the Utah National Guard Air Force Medical Evacuation Unit while attending the University of Utah, where he earned a degree in Pharmacy.

Gaylen met the love of his life, Brenda, through his mother, Leda. They were married on March 24, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple and recently celebrated 59 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared experiences. They raised two children, Amy and Alan, and created countless cherished memories through camping trips, dirt biking, golfing, building and launching rockets, planting and working side by side in their yard.

Gaylen was a devoted father who took great pride in his children's accomplishments. He spent many hours supporting his daughter Amy in her accordion playing-an instrument he adored forming a special bond that lasted to his last day. Their connection was especially close —Amy was, in every sense, a devoted "Daddy's girl". Gaylen also had an unconditional love for his son Alan and was intentional about finding ways to connect with him, building a relationship grounded in understanding and steady support.

He had a deep love for the Lord and found joy in serving in the temple and attending church each Sunday, where he treasured time spent with dear friends. Gaylen lived an active and vibrant life-he enjoyed running five miles every other day on familiar routes, playing pool, cards, and games, and especially golfing with his friends. His favorite course was Bonneville Golf Course, where he created decades of treasured memories. with his dear buddies.

Gaylen is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; his daughter Amy (Chad) and granddaughter Charlee; his son Alan (Jen) and grandchildren Wilow and Calan; his sister Valere (Ralph); his cousin John Gassman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernell and Leda Jensen; his twin brother, Graydon; his brother Tom; and his sister-in-law Shirley.

Gaylen lived a full and meaningful life, defined by faith, love, and devotion to the Lord, his family and friends. His legacy of kindness, strength, and joy will be remembered by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held Friday April 24, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Holladay South LDS church, 5450 S Holladay Boulevard, Holladay, Utah. A visitation will also be held at the same location on Saturday April 25, 2026 from 10:00- 10:40am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am.