OBITUARY: Gary Bruce Jensen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Bruce Jensen, who left us peacefully September 2, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 82 years old.
Gary was born February 2, 1944 in Ely, Nevada. He was the fifth of six children born to Harold and Edith Jensen. His siblings included sisters Garlene and Elodee along with brothers George, Max and Ted.

Gary was hired on with Nevada Bell in 1962, while still in his senior year of high school. He went on to serve a dedicated 34+ year career with the phone company up until his retirement in January 1997 under Pacific Telesis. Over the years Gary served many roles with the phone company as technology became more and more advanced. He began climbing poles (suffered a broken leg falling from one) and ended his career monitoring a computer that he affectionately called FRED (*&%$ Ridiculous Electronic Device). He worked with many wonderful people and we will fondly remember company picnics on Ward Mountain with our phone company family.

Gary married Kathryn Howe Gunderson on September 18, 1965. They were blessed with three children. Lance was the first to arrive in 1966, followed by Kyle in 1969 and Susan completing the family in 1970. Gary named his sons after football players and joked about naming his daughter Rosie after football player Rosie Greer. Thankfully he was talked out of that one!

Gary and Kathy met at Sunset Lanes as employees and shared a love of bowling they passed on to their children. Many weekends were spent taking their children and friends across Nevada for state bowling tournaments. Gary bowled on leagues for many years and was very proud of the Homelite Split Buster buckle that he received for picking up the 7-10 split.

Gary loved his family and could be found supporting their many school activities including sporting events and musical performances. Those traditions passed down as the family expanded to include his grandchildren; Denim, Karina, Kayla and Konner as well as his great-grandchildren; Marshal and Wylie. Nothing lit Gary up as much as to spend time with his grandkids, who loving called him Poppins.

Hunting, fishing and target shooting were some of Gary’s favorite pass times. He made many trips across the western United States and Mexico with friends filling deer, antelope and elk tags or catching big fish on the deep seas or at Henry’s Lake. The memories shared and stories told from his numerous adventures will never be forgotten.

Upon retirement, Gary made daily drives around Ely and spent his afternoons with his buddies at Racks. People often commented that their day was complete because they had seen Gary drive by. He was a friend to all he met and that is way too many to name or count. His many friends will continue to be cherished by Gary’s family.

He is survived by his children: Lance (Debra) Jensen, Kyle (Danielle) Jensen, and Susan (Debbie) Jensen; grandchildren: Denim, Karina, Kayla and Konner; great-grandchildren: Marshal and Wylie; sister, Elodee Florence; and brother Max (Karen) Jensen. He is also survived by his bonus grandchildren, bonus great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Finally, he will be greatly missed by lifelong friends Ross (Cyndi) Sanborn and Pat (Gloria) Stork.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Edith; his wife, Kathy; brothers George and Ted; and sister, Garlene. He was also preceded in death by his longtime friend, Steve Stork.

Gary will be remembered for the life he shared with those he loved, the friendships he made, his enjoyment of the outdoors, and the many memories he created with family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Until we meet again, raise your glass to Just One More, No More!