Theodore “Ted” Wayne Jensen
Dr. Theodore “Ted” Wayne Jensen, 80, of Billings, Montana passed away on December 24, 2024. Born on August 31, 1944, in Sacramento, California, he grew up in Great Falls and is preceded in death by his beloved wives, Myrna Jensen, and Maria Beltran; his devoted grandchild, Stella Gordon; and his parents, Mary Irene James, and Joseph Blaine Jensen; and his infant brother James Jensen.
Ted is survived by his children, Blaine Jensen (Sarah Butts), Elizabeth Gordon, and Brenda (Jeremy) Huck, grandson, James Huck, and sister Zelna Anderson of Great Falls.
Early this year, Ted commented to his son that he hoped people would remember him as, “…a pretty nice guy.” We do remember him as that and more.
Ted lived a remarkable life of service, scholarship, and compassion as a lifelong learner, kind soul, and dedicated educator. He earned his BA and MA in Spanish from the University of Montana and his Ph.D. in Hispanic Language and Literatures from the University at Buffalo. A proud member of Sigma Chi, Ted also embraced martial arts during college, studying Shudo Kan karate and Okazaki Jiu-Jitsu He earned a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and in Buffalo, a purple belt in Tae Kwon Do.
His academic journey took him from the classrooms of Montana to the vibrant streets of Spain, where he immersed himself in the study of Spanish theatre and culture. Ted’s career as a professor at Montana State University Billings spanned over three decades (1974–2006), during which he inspired countless students with his passion for Hispanic literature, Latin dance, and community service. As faculty sponsor of the MSU-Billings Spanish Club he built a community around the study and celebration of Hispanic culture in Spanish language arts.
Beyond academia, Ted’s life was a tapestry of service and advocacy. As a young man, he was active in DeMolay and served as an Army Lieutenant in the Vietnam War, where he endured profound challenges, losing much of his memory but never his spirit. His experiences shaped his deep empathy and desire to make the world better.
Ted was a steadfast supporter of numerous causes, including Hispanic education, child protection, and environmental advocacy. He led student volunteers in fundraising for scholarships, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and local community initiatives like feeding hungry families in Billings. His kindness extended to international students, neighbors, and anyone in need.
Ted’s later years were marked by both deep loss and enduring love. After losing his wives Myrna and Maria, he found solace in his grandchild Stella’s unwavering care and companionship. Her recent and tragic passing profoundly impacted him and the family.
Ted will also be remembered by family as someone who loved science fiction novels and movies, children, playing chess, and all kinds of music up to and including pop of the 1980’s. He enjoyed watching football and he became a lifelong Bills fan after living in Buffalo for grad school.
Ted worried about family and friend’s health and happiness. He might not call to let a person know this, not wanting to bug people, but he cared, and we were often on his mind.
When visitors came, he loved to hear about their lives and to take them out to dinner, wherever you want to go (which meant his favorite restaurant) where he inevitably knew the staff’s names and stories.
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at noon on Friday, March 14 at Grace United Methodist Church in Billings, followed by a burial ceremony at the Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery in Laurel. To share condolences and for full service information, visit Dahlfuneralchapel.com. Memorial contributions may be made to organizations supporting education or community initiatives close to Ted’s heart.
