Longtime Utah Rancher Glen Jensen Dies at 94

Jensen was known for his cowboy spirit, quick wit, and devotion to his family and cattle herd.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:20am

Glen Jensen, a lifelong Utah rancher and cowboy, passed away peacefully at his home in Elmo, Utah on March 15, 2026 at the age of 94. Jensen was born in 1931 and spent his life working as a coal miner and rancher, raising cattle and living the cowboy lifestyle he loved. He was married to his wife Karen for 68 years before her passing last year, and together they raised four children. Jensen was known for his quick wit, love of the land, and unwavering dedication to his family and cattle herd.

Why it matters

Jensen's life story represents the enduring cowboy spirit and agricultural heritage of rural Utah. As a longtime rancher and patriarch, his passing marks the end of an era for his local community and highlights the changing landscape of family-owned farms and ranches in the American West.

The details

Jensen was born in Cleveland, Utah in 1931 as the youngest of 11 children. He married his wife Karen in 1956 and they spent 68 years together before her passing last year. Jensen worked as a coal miner in his younger days and also worked for the Redd Ranches in Colorado, but his true passion was raising cattle on his own ranch in Elmo. Even into his late 80s, Jensen could still be found riding horses and tending to his herd.

  • Jensen was born on June 21 or June 22, 1931 in Cleveland, Utah.
  • Jensen married Karen Litster on June 23, 1956.
  • Jensen and Karen's marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on June 14, 1984.
  • Jensen passed away peacefully at his home in Elmo, Utah on March 15, 2026 at the age of 94.

The players

Glen Jensen

A lifelong Utah rancher and cowboy who passed away at the age of 94. Jensen was known for his quick wit, love of the land, and unwavering dedication to his family and cattle herd.

Karen Litster Jensen

Jensen's wife of 68 years, who passed away last year. The two were known for their loving marriage and devotion to each other.

Kirk Jensen

Jensen's only son, who lives in Cleveland, Utah.

Glenna Kaye Jensen

One of Jensen's three daughters, who lives in Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Marian George

One of Jensen's three daughters, who lives in Emery, Utah.

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What’s next

The family will hold a funeral service for Glen Jensen on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Elmo Ward Chapel in Elmo, Utah. Visitation will be held on Friday evening and Saturday morning prior to the service.

The takeaway

Glen Jensen's life story exemplifies the enduring cowboy spirit and agricultural heritage of rural Utah. As a longtime rancher and patriarch, his passing marks the end of an era for his local community and highlights the changing landscape of family-owned farms and ranches in the American West.