Obituary of Per J. Jensen

Mendon NY - Per Jacob Jensen, 85, died Sunday, November 16, 2014, at St. John's home following a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen. He is survived by three children Kirsten Down (Allan), Al Jensen (Adair), John Jensen (Aimee), sisters Birtie, Grete, Hannah and brother Bent all in Denmark. He will be missed by his 5 grandchildren Brita and husband Doug, Jake and wife Carrie, Emily, Laura and Peter and great grandson Jacob. Born and raised in Denmark the son of Jakob and Emma Jensen he was a long time resident of Rochester NY, and Carmel California. In his early years, he developed his love for plants working for a small greenhouse and Ostergaards Seed Company in Stensballe Denmark. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he spent several years with Asgrow seed in the Bradford Ontario. In 1968 he went to work for The Harris Seed Company Rochester NY Progressing from Sales representative to management and retiring as CEO in 1988. In retirement he was very involved many organizations but mostly REBILD an organization started during the world war to strengthen and celebrate the relationship between Denmark and USA. Per was also a proud member of the Danish Lodge of Salinas, CA. He was honored for his contributions to REBILD at the annual meeting and Celebration July 4 2010. He spent his retirement years traveling the world with the love of his life, golfing and enjoying his days in the greenhouse and gardens at his home in Carmel California and visiting with his children and grandchildren. Per was a mentor whose charismatic and infectious spirit will continue to inspire his family and those that got to know him. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, 435 E. Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14620 and Rebild National Park Society, Inc., 1582 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 from 5-7PM at Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, 59 Monroe St., Honeoye Falls, NY.