Preben "Ben" Wagner Jensen

Preben, or Ben as known to family and friends, passed away peacefully surrounded by a loving family on Tuesday, February 27th.

Born to Wita and Henning Jensen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Ben had in his recollection a magical childhood. At the age of sixteen Ben immigrated with his parents and two younger brothers to the United States for better opportunity though the beauty of his life in Denmark never left him. Stories of candlelit Christmas trees, groups of boys playing soccer late into the evening, and family basking in the sun on the patio to wind down the day in games and conversation seemed to pull his heart back to center. Ever still a Dane, he kept the nuance of Danish living through strictly followed holiday traditions, family dinners on the patio and crazy sideline antics at the soccer field. Lest you forget where his heart lay he used the Danish flag as a sign off in his texts.

During his high school years at East and Highland High School, Ben worked to help support his family. Working after school at TruTech labs he had already started to make a name for himself in the dental industry. Guided by his father and brother's encouragement, Ben eventually embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding his own dental lab and through long hours and hard work established a thriving business. This accomplishment enabled him to retire early, affording him the invaluable gift of time to devote to another passion—creating family memories through the small, meaningful moments of everyday life.

He met Karen, his California “looker” and sweetheart, when she was attending BYU. They had three girls, Kerri, Jody, and Lisa whom he loved dearly. Always the doting father he made it to all the soccer games, recitals and school programs no matter the extra work that might mean for him the next day. Likewise, Ben was later well suited for the privileged role of Grandpa. Each grandkid had an inside joke and the understanding that he was, as he always said, their number one fan. His love for his family was his biggest joy and greatest accomplishment.

Ben was a voracious reader, history buff, and lifelong learner. He’d happily chat about any topic ranging from politics to history to the World Cup to college sports. Just pull up a chair on the patio, enjoy a cup of coffee and give him a good conversation and he’d be in heaven.

Ben will be missed dearly by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Karen, brothers Flemming Jensen and Vagn Jensen. Daughters and sons in law, Kerri and Rodney Miller, Jody and Christian Matsumori, Lisa and Jens Pawelke. And grandchildren (by age), Taylor Glover, Sage Weber, Josh Miller, Javin Matsumori, Malia Matsumori, Marcus Pawelke, Austin Pawelke, Ezra Matsumori and Anna Pawelke.

The family welcomes you to a daytime viewing THURSDAY MARCH 7th from 12:00 to 1:00 followed by a Celebration of Life, open house format, from 1:00-3:00 with a short program starting at 1:30. Please come as you are and just as Ben would have done, pull up a chair, enjoy a cup and a snack while you share your favorite memories of Ben with a fellow friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Refugee Soccer as it fits all of Ben’s loves so well.