Joseph Jensen Obituary

Joseph Stokes Jensen, known to most as Joe passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Clermont Park, Denver, CO. He was born on a farm near Morristown, New Jersey, but by the age of one his missionary parents moved to Swaziland, in South Africa, where Joe spent his entire childhood, learning to speak Zulu and Afrikaans as well as English. He began medical school at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, but his life shifted dramatically when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945.

After serving, Joe chose to remain in the United States and with the help of the G.I.Bill, completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois. It was there he met the love of his life, Patricia Williamson, who he married in 1952. After six years of residency at the Menninger Institute in Topeka, Kansas, he obtained his psychiatric credentials and moved the family to Denver in 1958 where he began his medical practice.

Joe and Pat bought a home in Denver where they raised 3 children and resided for 54 years, before moving to the Clermont Park retirement community. They were longtime members of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church and made many friends through that association. Joe was an avid tennis player, biker, and rock collector who loved exploring and hiking in the mountains. He traveled to 40 countries with Pat, including at least 8 trips back to Swaziland and South Africa to visit friends and family, half dozen bike trips in Europe, and several volunteer trips in South Africa and Ghana.

Joe satisfied his lifelong thirst for knowledge as a member of various study groups, by reading non-fiction literature, attending educational lectures, and learning through travel. He had a passion for helping others, evidenced through his psychiatric work, and volunteer efforts such counseling at the Grief Education Institute and serving homeless people in downtown Denver.

Joe is survived by his son Bruce (Susan Welch), daughter Kathy (Bruce McClintock), four grandchildren, Hanna McClintock Fechter (Dan Fechter) and Jamie McClintock (Nikki Soran), Conner Jensen and Kevin Welch-Maguire, and four great-grandsons, Levi, Miles, Logan, and Kieran. His beloved son Rick and beloved wife Pat preceded him in death.

A family service will be held at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, where his ashes will be interred. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Carter Center, or the charity of your choice in Dr. Jensen's name.

Joe's vibrant personality, warmth and intelligence, and compassionate heart will continue to inspire all who knew him.