Max Jensen

Max A Jensen, 82, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. Born on June 21, 1943, in Moroni, Utah, Max was the son of Lenn and Louise Jensen. He grew up in Ephraim, where he spent his childhood days on the family farm, herding milk cows, and exploring the surrounding hills. These early experiences started a lifelong love of the outdoors. He attended Ephraim Elementary and graduated from Manti High School. He also served in the Utah Army National Guard and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. A devoted husband and father, Max spent his life building a legacy of service and family.

Max dedicated nearly three decades to the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, stewarding the natural beauty of Utah, retiring in 1999 as the Southeast Region Manager after 29 years of service. His career began at Dead Horse Point State Park, where he lived on-site with his young family as a park ranger and then Park Manager. Max took great pride in his work, especially in park planning and landscape architecture, which he had studied at Utah State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry. He was interested in Native American cultures and enjoyed visiting ruins and rock art panels around the Southwest. This personal interest fit well with his professional duties as he oversaw state managed archeological sites and museums.

Beyond his professional achievements, Max was a man of diverse interests and talents. He was a collector of old coins and currency, a hobby sparked in childhood by a gift of Danish coins from his grandmother. Max enjoyed the classic cars he owned over the years, especially a red and white 1958 Chevrolet Impala and a black 1959 Corvette. He was an avid reader to the very end of his life. He was also talented in a variety of skills that allowed him to complete many impressive carpentry projects, including designing and building his Moab home. Max enjoyed caring for his 2-acre yard, including fruit trees and a large productive garden, and worked hard to keep it beautiful in the harsh desert climate. He also built a travel trailer that became the headquarters for numerous family hunting, fishing, and camping trips.

Max and Jan enjoyed travelling and visited many European countries. Especially meaningful to Max were the trips to Denmark, the land of many of his ancestors. He and Jan also enjoyed numerous cruises and even a sailing excursion on a classic tall mast sailing vessel.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Max served in many capacities, including as a Bishop for the Moab 4th Ward, and he and Jan served as temple missionaries in the Kona Hawaii Temple.

Max’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Janis "Jan" Jones, whom he married in 1964; his daughter, Amy; his sons, Justin and Brandon (Dani); grandchildren, Amanda (Brad), Stephen (Melissa), Zackary, Damian (Demi), Maddy, Ben, Erin, Noah, Jacob and great-granddaughters, Juniper and Olive; and his brother, Brent (Mary). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lenn Jr..

Max will be remembered for his integrity, strong work ethic, and quiet dedication to his family and faith.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 17th, at 1050 N 300 W, Mapleton, Utah. A viewing will begin at 9:00 am, with the funeral service starting at 10:00 am. A graveside service will be held in the Ephraim City Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Services Provided by Spring Creek Mortuary.