Michael Allen Geihsler-Jensen

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Aug. 24, 1965 - Jan. 13, 2022

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Michael Allen Geihsler-Jensen, 56, of Gresham, Ore., formerly of Benkelman, passed away on Jan. 13, 2022, after a bout with Covid in June 2021, and an accident at Denver International Airport in which he broke his hip and a subsequent decline of health as a result of that. In the last few months, Michael was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, which caused him to decline quickly.

Michael was born on Aug. 24, 1965, to Burdette and Gladys (Boggie) Geihsler in Stratton, Neb. Michael was the youngest of five children, all born in a span of seven years. The family moved to Benkelman shortly after Michael was born. Michael went to school in Benkelman with the class of 1984, earned his GED, and entered the Army soon afterwards.

While in the Army, Michael graduated from basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He was stationed in Greece for several years. Michael served as a military policeman, like his father, Burdette, until his honorable discharge.

In 1992, Michael met Lee Jensen in Lincoln, Neb., and they were married later. Michael and Lee lived in several different places, most notably in Rhode Island, Benkelman, Ogallala, and most recently in Gresham, Ore. He managed restaurants like Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, and Kentucky Fried Chicken in many of the places he lived.

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Burdette and Gladys Geihsler; his stepmother, Gleannys (Lowe) Geihsler; and by a step-brother, Jimmy Wonderly.

He is survived by his husband, Lee Jensen-Geihsler; step-children, LaDonna Jensen of Gresham and Jeremy Jensen of Hawaii; and by his sisters and brother and their families; his step-sister and step-brother and their families: Connie (Gordon) Rader of Lincoln, Neb., Monica (Rick) King of Yuma, Colo., Mark (Pamela) Geihsler of Central City, Neb., and Linda (Paul) Wood of McCook, Neb., Mindy (Leonard) Whomble of Wray, Colo., and Tony (Jeannette) Wonderly of Benkelman; as well as several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in England and Ireland, and cousins in the United States.

Michael’s sense of humor was often colorful, and he approached life optimistically, even though his life was not always easy. He liked to play pool, cards, and games. He loved to travel, he loved his nieces and nephews, and he loved his dogs. He was always friendly with a personality that made friends out of strangers. His short life will be one that remembers him as friendly, caring, humorous and always kind.

Services will be in Benkelman at a later date. Michael chose cremation and will be interred in the Benkelman Cemetery. Cards of condolences can be sent to Lee Jensen-Geihsler, 2048 NE 36th Street, Gresham, OR 97030, and to the Family of Michael Jensen-Geihser, ℅ Linda Wood, 606 East 1st Street, McCook, NE 69001.