Steven Rio Jensen, 74, of West Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home with his loving wife of 31 years, Ellen Jensen, by his side.
Steve was born March 4, 1949, in Brigham City, Utah to Helen (Davis) and Emanuel Phillip Jensen and was raised in Magna, Utah. He attended Webster Elementary, Brockbank Junior High, and Cyprus High School. In high school he lettered in several sports including football, and baseball. Steve received an athletic scholarship from the University of Utah and went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He worked two jobs for several years teaching PE for Granite School district during the day and working at Kennecott in the evenings. Steve retired from Kennecott Copper in 2011, with over 45 years of service as a haul truck driver.
Steve is survived by his three children from his first marriage, Ali (Kleigh), Aaron (Jennifer), Scott (Tori), and his five stepchildren, Sue (Todd), Nils Eric (Debby), Anna (Chris), Michael, and Jenny. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Doug, Teena, and Jude, his son Ryan, and stepdaughter Barbara.
Steve loved sports and played softball competitively for most of his adult life. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. He also loved to support University of Utah football and enjoyed his rivalries with the BYU fans in his neighborhood. He liked the outdoors, hunting, camping, and traveling with his family.
The family would like to extend love and appreciation to Symbii Hospice and all of Steve’s amazing neighbors for their care and service.
A viewing will be held at the LDS stake center at 8117 South 3905 West, West Jordan, UT 84088 on June 30th, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The funeral services will be the following day July 1st, 2023, at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:00 to 10:45 am, also at the LDS Stake Center. The graveside dedication will be at 2:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, UT.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Natural History Museum of Utah at nhmu.utah.edu/give
In my heart you remain… in my thoughts you live on… until we make memories again… Love you, Dad!
We are so very sorry for your loss! Steve was a wonderful man & we will miss talking with him. We will keep your family in our thoughts & prayers. Hugs!
Love,
The Miller Family
I struggle to find the words to adequately express my feelings. With Steve's passing, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to those whose lives he touched. May you find peace in this time of sorrow.
I am grateful for the connection I shared with Steve and there is so much I will miss about him.
Good night Steve. Until we meet again.
I’m so sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. We grew up together in Lake Ridge just three houses apart. He taught me a lot about playing baseball, and was always fun to be around and funny. He will be missed here but welcomed on the other side. May God bless you at this time and may His warm embrace comfort you and your family.
Uncle Steve RIP. You are a wonderful man you will truly be missed ❤️. You and Ellen are some of the kindest people I have met in my life. I hope you are having a wonderful time in heaven with all your loved ones that have passed on. Give my grandma Tina a big hug for me!. You have served this life here on earth with honor. May peace be with you and your wonderful family at this time. Love your nephew. Breckon Hill