Vearl Martin Jensen

Vearl Martin Jensen passed away peacefully on the morning of September 11, 2026 at the age of 85 after more than 15 years with Alzheimer's disease. He fought valiantly over the years, always maintaining his sense of humor and love for his family. He celebrated 62 years of marriage with his “wifey” just two weeks before his passing.

Vearl was born on December 17, 1940 in the living room of his maternal grandmother’s home in Payson, Utah to Ward Harold Jensen and Thelma Stark Jensen. He was the fourth of five children, with two brothers and two sisters.

Growing up in a farming community in Redmond, Sevier County, Utah, Vearl enjoyed all the fun and freedom one can have in a small town. He attended Redmond Elementary School where his brother was the principal and also his 5th grade teacher. He went on to attend Jr. high at North Sevier High School in Salina, Utah. His family then moved to Moab, Utah during the Uranium boom where he spent his sophomore and junior years of high school. They moved back to Redmond for his senior year. After high school, he attended BYU and graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Vearl met the love of his life, Shirley Rae Tennant, after a church mutual activity when he was 17 years old and she was 13 years old. They connected right away and soon developed a close relationship. Shirley waited for him when he left in 1961 to serve a two-year LDS mission to the Western Canadian mission in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Vearl was the first person from Redmond in 10 years to serve a mission.

After returning from his mission, Vearl and Shirley married on August 28, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Provo, Utah while he attended his final year at BYU. Their first child was born to them on July 4, 1965 soon after Vearl’s graduation. Together, Vearl and Shirley raised five children: Kyle, Deralyn, Carrie, Shaunel, and Farren. For 62 years of marriage, they remained devoted to one another through life’s challenges, joys, and every season in between.

Vearl and his young family spent a brief time in Los Angeles, California as he worked for Arthur Andersen CPA firm before getting a job back in Utah with the LDS Church Finance Department. He worked as an accountant for many years in the Church Office Building in various capacities, including as the chief accountant, a data processing liaison, and a programmer. He was exceptionally intelligent and a gifted problem-solver whose ingenuity and expertise helped save the Church millions of dollars over the years.

Vearl and Shirley built their forever home in Midvale, Utah where they raised their five children. The family spent many summers traveling all over Utah and the country, going on bike rides, and camping together. Vearl especially loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed camping at Star Point with his sweetheart, Shirley. In his own words, “she’s the best wife I’ve ever had.”

Vearl was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ and found great comfort and purpose in his faith. From 2003 to 2004, Vearl and Shirley served a mission in the England London South Mission. Vearl served as the mission clerk, and they both cherished the opportunity to explore the country, experience its culture, and immerse themselves in the history and beauty of England.

Vearl loved being a HAM radio operator. For over 75 years, he enjoyed speaking with people all over the world. When he first started, he was known as KA7COT, and later as KF7KJ. “This is KF7KJ, wishing you a very heartfelt 73.”

Those who knew Vearl will remember him for his sense of humor, work ethic, booming voice, adventurous attitude, and love of laughter. Above all, he loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them, especially his children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Vearl is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Shirley Rae Tennant; children, Kyle (Jody) Jensen, Deralyn (Doug) Lambert, Carrie Jensen, Shaunel (Brian) Stowe, and Farren (Becky) Jensen; 23 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren (plus one on the way); and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Thelma Jensen; siblings, Harold, Douglas, Barbara, and Merlene; son-in-law, Jason Stowe; granddaughter, Savannah Jensen; and great granddaughter, Olivia Killary.

When asked what wisdom about life Vearl hoped to leave with others, his answer was simple: “Live every day and be happy with the life you were given.” These words reflected the way he lived his own life—with gratitude and appreciation for each day.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 18th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S State St., Midvale, Utah 84047. Another viewing will be held Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m., at the Midvale 7th ward meetinghouse, 8350 S Jackson St., Midvale, UT 84047. Interment will follow at Memorial Redwood Cemetery in West Jordan.

In keeping with Vearl’s joyful spirit, as we gather to celebrate his life, the family invites everyone to wear bright or cheerful colors rather than black.