Steven Jensen, 71, of Alpena, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. 

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 20, at Spirit of Faith Church in Woonsocket. Burial was at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Wessington Springs. Visitation was Wednesday, March 19, at Spirit of Faith Church with a prayer service. Arrangements were by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Steve was the eldest of five children born to Bobby and Ruth (Hindman) Jensen on June 3, 1953, in Fayetteville, N.C. His family moved to Storla after his birth and later settled in Alpena in 1955. Steve was baptized at Storla Lutheran Church and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Woonsocket. He attended Alpena High School, where he was a standout athlete, earning All-State honors in football and receiving recognition in both basketball and track. Steve balanced his athletic pursuits with his work on the family farm.

Steve’s love for horses began at a young age. He often rode horses bareback and treasured his childhood pony, Scout, on whom he and his siblings learned to ride. At age 15, Steve purchased a horse named Four Fame Socks at the South Dakota State Fair and broke him to race. In 1970, Steve took three racehorses to Belle Fourche, winning three out of his first four races, setting the stage for a career in racing.

After graduating from high school in 1971, Steve began working with his father driving the grain truck. In 1977, Steve bought into the family business, Jensen Grain Company, where he and his father operated elevators in Lane, Plankinton, Armour, and Woonsocket. Steve managed the Plankinton elevator until 2005. After retiring from the elevator business, Steve partnered with his son, Terry, in the feedlot industry.

Steve married Vicki Larson on Aug. 12, 1972. In 2016, after Vicki became ill, Steve took on the role of caregiver until her passing. In 2018, Steve married Joan Hoefert.

Steve delighted in spending time with his kids and grandkids and would entertain them with stories. He always enjoyed catching up and reminiscing with old friends.

In 2023, Steve suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side. Steve’s resilience kept him moving forward. At a recent basketball game of his grandson’s, Steve used his tenacity and was wheeled onto the court and made what would be his final shot. The next day, Steve suffered another stroke that would eventually take his life.

Steve is survived by his wife, Joan Jensen; his children, Sandi (Melinda) Jensen, Terry (Sarah) Jensen, and Michelle (David) Stahl; his stepchildren, Becki (Brandon) Haiar and Cristin (Jason) Weber; 11 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; his mother, Ruth Jensen; siblings, Valerie (Glen) Hohn, Craig (Peggi) Jensen, David (Kathy) Jensen, and Vicki (Orville) Harmdierks; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Vicki Jensen; father, Bobby Jensen; and grandparents, Clifford and Nellie Jensen and Ralph and Helen Hindman; and his niece, Stephanie Jensen.