Aaron Jensen

Funeral Mass for Brother Aaron T. Jensen, O. S. B, 63, of Richardton, will be 9:30 a. m. , Monday, October 31, 2011 at Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND with Abbot Brian Wangler, O. S. B. , celebrating. Burial will be in Assumption Abbey Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation for Brother Aaron will be from 6:30 p. m. to 8:30 p. m. , Sunday, October 30, 2011 at Assumption Abbey with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p. m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Bro. Aaron (Thomas) Jensen, OSB, 63, died on October 27, 2011 at St. Benedict?s Health Center, Dickinson, ND after a long fight with emphysema. Bro. Aaron was born in Worthington, MN on May 4, 1948 to James Jensen and Ruth (Schmidt) Jensen. He was the oldest of their six children. After graduating from St. John?s University, Collegeville, MN with a Bachelor of Arts in music, Bro. Aaron came to Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND in June 1970. He made his monastic vows on August 15, 1971. Bro. Aaron spent most of his monastic life at Assumption Abbey, except for some years when he acquired more education. He went to St. Martin?s College, Lacey, WA for an additional Bachelor of Arts degree. This second degree was in English. During 1983-1985 he went to Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA studying music, while he resided nearby at St. Martin?s Abbey, Lacey, WA. At Assumption Abbey, Bro. Aaron was elected to the Senior Council for many years. His wisdom and insight were valued. He also served the community as librarian, organist, music director and composer of music for the Liturgy of the Hours used at the Abbey. From 1985 to 1986 Bro. Aaron was assistant formation director. He came formation director for novices and juniors on August 1987 and served in that capacity until January 1, 1992. As the years went by, Bro. Aaron?s health began to slowly deteriorate due to emphysema. During 2007-2008 he suffered repeated infections in his sinuses and lungs. During 2009 he was hospitalized from September 21 to November 19 due to a double infection in his lungs. After he returned to the Abbey he was confined to his room due to lack of energy. He spent time in prayer, reading and enjoying visits by his monastic brothers. Bro. Aaron especially enjoyed visits by his brothers and sisters. He continued to order books for the Abbey library until his last hospitalization. Bro. Aaron took a turn for the worse on October 1, 2011 and was hospitalized. On October 17, 2011 he became a resident of St. Benedict?s Health Center, Dickinson, ND. He passed away during the evening of October 27. Bro. Aaron will long be remembered at the Abbey for his peaceful disposition, his faithful monastic observance, for his musical ability, and for keeping the Abbey library up to date. He was a good monk, wise in his advice and easy to get along with. His parents preceded Bro. Aaron in death. He is survived by three brothers, Greg Jensen, Dan (Leslie) Jensen and Chuck (Kris) Jensen, two sisters, Teresa (Gary) Anderson and Rita Beecroft and his monastic brothers.


Burial Date: October 31, 2011
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Monday: Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND