Michael J Tensen

Michael Tensen, age 71, died on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, following a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Brooten Community Church in Brooten with Pastor Rick Krasky officiating. Visitation will be at the church, one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Brooten.

Michael John Tensen, known affectionately as Mike to his friends and family, was born on February 2, 1954, in Willmar, MN, to Gerard J. and Doris C. (Noordmans) Tensen. He was oldest of what would come to be a family of four children and 13 foster children. He grew up on a farm near Brooten and was a proud graduate of Brooten High School, class of 1972.

Mike’s passion for mechanics led him to further his education at Alexandria Vocational Technical Institute in nearby Alexandria, where he studied diesel mechanics. This skill would become the cornerstone of his professional life, as he worked in various capacities as a mechanic, maintenance person, truck driver, landscaper and in irrigation. Mike found his true calling with R.D. Offutt Farms in Brooten, where he worked until he developed health issues that forced him into retirement.

In 1976 Mike married Lorry Werder at the Baptist Church in Willmar. Their marriage spanned ten years and was blessed with three daughters: Amanda, Rebecca, and Anna. 

Mike was a long-standing member of the Brooten Community Church, where his family has strong ties. His faith was a source of comfort and strength throughout his life.

Those who knew Mike will remember his lighthearted spirit and his ability to bring laughter to any room. He had a special gift for entertaining children with his tricks and jokes, and his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews will always cherish the memories of their time spent giggling with him.

An outdoorsman at heart, Mike enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as fishing in his younger years and his love for horses and dogs. His mechanical inclination was not just his profession but also his hobby, as he spent countless hours in his garage tinkering and listening to music.

Mike is survived by his loving mother, Doris Tensen of Brooten; his daughters, Amanda (Nathan) Tensen-Woolery of Bloomington, Rebecca (Benjamin) Villnow, and Anna (Derek) Auth, both of Willmar; his cherished grandchildren, Madalynn Villnow, Elliana Villnow, Jackson Villnow, August Auth and Owen Auth; his siblings, Jody (Mike Kramer) Schroeter of Wausau, WI, Tim (Suzy) Tensen of Glenwood, and Lorie Tensen of Talent, OR. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss his presence deeply.

Preceding him in death were his father, Gerard; his two infant sisters, Melonie and Bonnie; and his nephew, Josey Tensen.

Blessed be his memory. May he rest in peace.

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