Wallace "Lamar" Jensen

POCATELLO - Wallace "LaMar" Jensen, 83, of Pocatello, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. He was born on May 31, 1928 in Pocatello, Idaho, to Simpson Molen Jensen and Esther Elizabeth Coffin Jensen, the 11th of 13 children. He grew up in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1947. In April 1948, LaMar joined the United States Navy. During his enlistment he earned the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He earned certificates for completing Fireman Training and Machinist's Mate 3rd Class with exceptional marks. He was stationed on the USS Cadmus, mostly known as an important repair ship on the east coast, where he worked as a Cade Engineer. In February 1950, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. In September 1950, he was once again called to duty. This time he served in the United States Army as Private First Class in the 2nd Infantry "Indianhead" division, his main duty being a canonist. Due to the rising conflicts within Korea, he was deployed and proudly fought in his countries honor. He received a Korean Service Medal as well as a UN service medal for his bravery in the 195th Field Artillery Battalion. From Sept to Oct in 1951 he fought at the Battle of Heartbreak ridge. Before and after deployment, he was stationed at Ft Lewis, WA. In June 1952, he was released from active duty, due to the overpopulation of enlisted soldiers at the time. He was placed on Enlisted Reserve Corps for 5 years until he was honorably discharged in 1956. After being in the service he graduated from Idaho State University with a certificate in graphics arts in 1957. He married Joyce Graham in April 1959 and they were later divorced. Lamar worked at Lamb Weston for a short time before moving to California in 1966. There, he was employed with Mead Packaging until retiring in 1993. He then moved to Oregon and came back to Pocatello to be closer to his family. He enjoyed solving puzzles, was an avid reader, loved the game of baseball, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lamar is survived by his son Jerry (Deanna) Jensen of Pocatello; daughter Mary (Jeff) Wakley of Pocatello; brother Ronald Jensen of Pocatello; sister Ila Fern (Lloyd) Sindell of California; sister Thelma Pilotti of California; sister Maurine Evans of California; sister Jacquline Hunt of California; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild due in August. He is preceded in death by his father Simpson; mother Esther; brother Howard Jensen; sister Esther Jensen; sister Virginia Jensen; sister Lola Jensen, brother Clement Jensen; sister Venice Jensen; and brother Cyrus Jensen. Graveside services for LaMar will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Mountain View Cemetery with Veterans by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. A visitation will take place at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 So. 4th Ave. also on Friday from 1:00 P.M. - 1:45 P.M.