Hiram Jens Jensen Jr., 89, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, at Our House Memory Care.

He was born Nov. 14, 1927, in rural Rose Creek, Minnesota, the son of Hiram J. and Corrine C. (Robinson) Jensen Sr. Hiram’s mom Corrine was known for telling the family, “on the kitchen table at high noon.”  At the age of 16, Hiram began working in the hide cellar at Hormel Foods Corporation. After his 1945 graduation from Austin High School, Hiram served his country in the U.S. Navy from June 1945 until his honorable discharge in August 1946. He returned home and went back to work for Hormel on the “extra gang” and trained as a student buyer. Hiram married Bette Dotzenrod on Sept. 18, 1948, in Austin. The couple raised two children. Hiram became a livestock buyer, working for Hormel in Calmar, Iowa, Bird Island, Minnesota, Springfield, Missouri, Gladbrook, Iowa, and St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1979, he went to work for Cargill where he was the head cattle buyer in the Cargill corporate office in Wichita, Kansas. Following several moves around the country with his job, Hiram and Bette returned to Austin to retire in 1996. He was an avid golfer and a past member of the American Legion. His family will miss him dearly.

Survivors include his son, Mark E. Jensen of River Falls, Wisconsin; his daughter, Laurie (Steve) Austrum, also of River Falls; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Hiram was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bette in 2001; his sister, Violet; and special friend, Darlene Helland.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with the Rev. Richard Hegal officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home, immediately preceding the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Memorials can be directed to the Mayo Hospice Program or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.