Niels "Chris" C. Jensen, Jr.

Niels Chris Jensen, Jr., 85, of Marathon, NY, passed away August 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family, just as he wished.

Chris was born on November 20, 1937 in Penn Yan, NY to Niels Chris Jensen, Sr. and Eva “Sally” Johnson Jensen.

Chris is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Lois McLoud Jensen.  Together they raised three children – Mary (Timothy) Jensen Elliott, Karen (Jody) Jensen Wilk Leonard, and Niels Chris (Darci) Jensen III.  His greatest joy was celebrating their lives, and those of his 8 grandchildren: Nicholas (Katelyn), Justin (Amanda), Jared (Michelle) and Brynna (Ben) Elliott, Thomas (Jayla) Wilk, Jody, Jr and Joseph Leonard, and Andrew (Amber) Mott, and 4 great-grandchildren. 

After graduation from Penn Yan High School, Chris served in the United States Navy.  He worked for 10 years for International Salt Company in Watkins Glen, NY.  He moved his family to this area in 1972 for his work with Pall Corp.  He was there for 25 years, traveling nationally and internationally to Japan, India, Germany, Poland and England.  In 1978, Chris was awarded a US Patent for his collaboration on a patent system for Pall.

Chris enjoyed spending time watching SU Basketball, Atlanta Braves Baseball, and Giants Football and golf on TV, often with his grandchildren.  He was locally famous for his research on Ancestry.com, and willing to mentor anyone who wanted to learn. 

He was a big fan of fishing, and shared that love with many of his grandchildren.  He and his wife loved to go out to eat, and the length of the drive added to the adventure.  He thought nothing of going to Pennsylvania to pick up a newspaper and a meal.

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Chris is survived by his brother Gerald “Scott” Jensen of Indianapolis, IN, and his brother Michael (Sandy) Jensen of Elmira, NY.

Per Chris’ wishes, a small memorial service will be held at the United Presbyterian Church in Marathon.  It is scheduled for Saturday, September 2, at 11:30 AM.  The family invites family members and friends to a luncheon at the Masonic Lodge, 28 Main Street, Marathon, immediately afterwards.

As a family, we would like to thank all of those who helped us this last month, whether it was with rides to the hospital, or food for our mom, or picking up scripts or groceries or whatever we needed.  Our appreciation is sincere and never-ending.