Cloudy, 26° F
(June 16, 1932 - July 3, 2010)Arlie L. Jensen, 78, of Meeteetse died July 3, 2010, following a blessedly short run with brain cancer.
Arlie was born June 16, 1932, in Wolf Point, Mont., to Mildred Kimmel Jensen and Lars Peter Marinas “George” Jensen. The fourth of five children, he grew up in the Scobey and Wolf Point areas. Following graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as a military police officer, including two years in Japan during the Korean War.
Arlie married Polly Bilyeu on July 7, 1957, in Wolf Point. He worked in various careers including construction and insurance and spent 13 years as the superintendent for the town of Wolf Point. In 1974, the family moved to Meeteetse to own and operate the YU Ranch.
In Meeteetse, Arlie served on the school board and the Northwest College Board of Trustees, and he volunteered for many community events and projects. Following the sale of the YU, he worked for Western Real Estate in Cody where he thoroughly enjoyed the interactions with people he met. He especially loved lunch with the guys who gathered at the Irma. Arlie, Polly and daughter Linda also owned and operated the Spoke Café in Meeteetse from 2003-2007.
Arlie was an avid social golfer and a passionate conversationalist. He could cover any topic and nobody remained a stranger past hello. He loved beautiful quarter horses and respected hard, honest work and a good discussion about politics, social affairs or world events.
Arlie was preceded in death by his parents; brother Leonard “Bud” Jensen; brother-in-law Don Grimsrud; and sister Winifred, who died as a toddler.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Polly Jensen; daughter Linda Seaton (Dale) and their boys Scott and Kellan; son David Jensen (Toni Cody) and their boys Chandler and Hayden; daughter Kelly Jensen (Kenny Gasch) and her sons Conor and Clayton; and son Mike Jensen; his brother Larry Jensen (Marilyn); sister Shirley Nail (Ed); sister-in-law Gerry Jensen; and many nieces and nephews.
He also leaves behind many dear friends whose company and conversation brought him abundant joy. After learning of his prognosis, he greatly appreciated the visits from family and friends who gathered around the dining room table for coffee and conversation.
Honoring his love of a great party, a celebration of his life will be held Sunday, July 25, at 2 p.m. in the back yard at Arlie and Polly's home at 8 Lower Greybull Road in Meeteetse. Friends and community members are encouraged to attend. A light meal will be served.
Memorials in Arlie's name may be made to Spirit Mountain Hospice in Cody or to the Meeteetse Partnership in Education scholarship program through the Meeteetse School District.
