Saturday, January 2, 2021

DUSTIN "DUSTY" MICHAEL JENSEN

Dustin “Dusty” Michael Jensen of Medford passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 31st, 2020.  He was just 28 years old.

Dustin was born on September 25th, 1992 in Marshfield, WI to Kevin and Pamela (Axtman) Jensen. He attended Medford elementary schools & graduated from Medford Area Senior High School in 2011.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design in 2017 from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  Upon graduating, Dustin began his career as a Project Engineer/Cost Estimator for WADAL Plastics, Inc.  Most recently, he was promoted to Project Manager, taking on an additional leadership responsibility for the organization.

During his childhood, Dustin enjoyed go-kart racing, concerts and music festivals, and gaming with his friends.  He was incredibly creative, bright, and a talented artist.  Dustin was gregarious and outgoing, and spending time with his friends and family was his passion.  Dustin was the heart of family holidays and vacations.  He loved music, singing and dancing, and eating a home cooked meal.  He also had a knack for impressions, and if you spent any time with him, you’d inevitably spent a lot of time laughing.  Dustin will always be remembered by his vibrant personality, contagious smile, infectious laugh, and most importantly, his kindness.

A private family only service for Dustin will be held, with a celebration of life planned for a future date post COVID.

He is survived by his mother Pamela Jensen of Rib Lake, his father Kevin Jensen (Renee Kauffman, and children Jake Kauth, and Jaedyn, Lexi, and Luke and Ossmann) of Rib Lake, his brother Eric Jensen of Wausau, his sister Heather Axtman (Dwayne Toatley and children Zara, Tahlia, Kai, and Shadi Toatley) of Minneapolis, his sister Tasha Jensen (Alex Nelson, and children Ariana Jensen and Theo Nelson) of Fergus Falls, MN, his maternal grandmother Rose Heisler of Breckenridge, MN, his best friend Marcus Ludwig of Medford, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who all loved Dustin profoundly.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Axtman, paternal grandparents, George and Audrey Jensen, uncle, Jeff Jensen and cousin Amanda Sem.

The family has designated the Medford Area Senior High School Music Department for memorial contributions.  Dustin spent many years performing and traveling with the Music Department in high school.  His parents are creating a scholarship in his name.  Donations can be made out to Pam or Kevin Jensen, and mailed to 9303 N Long Lake Road, Rib Lake, WI 54470.  They will compile them into a memorial fund in honor of Dustin’s memory. 

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

“Because life is short but sweet for certain”
-- Dave Matthews