George and Mary Jensen Papers

Collection

Identifier: WH2105

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Primarily original correspondence between various members of the Jensen family (1942-1945); letter and deceased personnel file for the fiance of Ruth Jensen (1912-1993): Leon William Shapley (1905-1944); military records; newsletter and history of the 843rd Signal Service Battalion (n.d., 2000); manuscripts of short stories by George L. Jensen (1944, 1970s, n.d.); CD-ROM of family photos. Materials comprise the basis for the book: Forever and a day -- the World War II odyssey of an American family (2008) by Eric Jensen.

Dates

1942-1988
Majority of material found in 1942-1945

Creator

Jensen, George L.,1907-1990. (Person)
Jensen, Eric, (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

George L. Jensen was born on January 6, 1907 in Berthoud, Colo. He was one of ten children born to the farmer and Colo. State Legislator, James Jensen and his wife, Katie. The Jensen's were of Danish extraction. During WWII, George Jensen served with the 843rd Signal Service Battalion and four of his brothers: Leroy Phillip (1899-1984); James (1910-1996); Robert Woodrow (1915-1989); and William Foche (1918-1984) also served with various branches of the military. Starting in 1935 and until his retirement in 1972, Jensen worked for the Denver Public School system as a teacher, and coordinator of instruction and counseling at North, East, and George Washington High Schools. He also operated Jensen's Sportsman Supply and the Hail Damage Adjustment Service. Jensen was married to Mary Lasko of Lead, S.D. (1902-1990). He died in Denver, Colo. on April 20, 1990.