Marvin Jensen

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Marvin Eskild Jensen, 91, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at Bertrand Nursing Facility in Bertrand, Missouri.

Born Feb. 13, 1926, in Exira, Iowa, to the late Zeke and Theresa Jensen, he graduated from Sand Springs (Oklahoma) High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He was among the first American troops with the 5th Marine Division to land on the island of Iwo Jima. He remained on Iwo Jima until the Marines secured control of the island in one of the more historic battles of World War II. He then served among the American troops to occupy Japan.

Following his discharge from the military, he moved to Missouri where he met and married Kathleen V. Gosnell in June 1946.

He began a newspaper career that same year, working in newspapers throughout Southeast Missouri. In 1967, he became a partner in the ownership of the Bulletin Journal newspaper in Cape Girardeau. In 1976, along with his son, he became co-publisher of the Democrat Advertiser in Sikeston, and remained in that position until his retirement in 1989.

Following his retirement, he and his wife, Kathleen, traveled extensively, including visits to all 50 states and two return reunions to the island of Iwo Jima to mark anniversaries of his Marine service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Dana Jenkins; three brothers; and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years; his son, Michael (Teresa) Jensen; several nieces and nephews; and his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also is survived by Cheryl Jensen, who he loved like a daughter.

Visitation is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, officiated by the Rev. David Ross, minister of First Baptist Church of Sikeston. Burial will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Pallbearers will include Nick Garner, Michael L. Jensen Jr., Neil Caskey, Kyle Schlosser, Don Culbertson and Elmer Underwood.