Jens Poulsen
Together as a family of Hope, we are called to uphold in prayer those who mourn the death of loved ones.
Today we invite your prayers for the family and friends of Jens Poulsen who passed peacefully on June 25, 2024.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 10 AM at Hope Lutheran Church 3527 Boulton Road, NW. Live-streamed at https://www.hopelutheran.ca/
Obituary for Jens Otto Søgaard Poulsen
A humble man with a twinkle in his very blue eyes. A “gammel Molbo” from Denmark. Bicycle Boy. A faithful husband of 68 years. A loving Dad. A wonderful Morfar and Farfar. A fun-loving Oldefar. Jens Otto Søgaard Poulsen was all these and so much more.
Born on October 13,1924 on a farm in Mols, Denmark, he thrived and outlived his 7 siblings. He served in the Danish army at the end of WWII. In 1948, he married Tove and bought a little farm but making ends meet was difficult. So, in 1956 with their children Anni and John in tow, they sailed on the Oslofjord, landed at Pier 21 and took a train across Canada. This was an arduous and eye-opening journey. Jens started as a farmer outside Bentley and then moved to Colpitts Dairy farm in Springbank. In 1960 they moved to a home on Montalban Drive in Montgomery where Jens lived for the next 56 years. There they had two more daughters, Marian and Lilli. Jens eventually became a machinist with CPR for many years.
Jens and Tove enjoyed retirement by spending time with their 8 grandchildren, participating in activities at Foothills Lutheran Church, swimming in the Vecova pool, fixing things with electrician’s tape, tending to their large garden, playing with their kid’s dogs, travelling to Denmark and California, and visiting with Danish, church and pool friends. They were gracious hosts who celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, Easter and Christmas with wonderful parties with delicious food, home-made songs, creative games and fun, lots of fun.
In 2016, Jens moved down the hill to Shouldice Community where he was comfortable and content. Sadly, Tove died later in 2016. After an illness in 2023, Jens moved to Bow View Manor where they called him Grandpa Jens (as in “Ladies and Gents”) and appreciated his easy, thankful manner. Thank you to everyone who cared for him with such kindness and humour.
Jens loved his four children and their families - Anni (Brad), John (Betty), Marian and Lilli (Chris). He adored his 8 grandchildren and their families - Leah Wetter (Patrick), Grayson Adams (Cayley), Jason Poulsen (Jennifer), Kate Poulsen Miller (Keith), Maddi Torres, Devin Musak, Oliver Meloche and Ozzie Meloche. He marvelled at his 12 great grandchildren - Kai, Maya, Freya and Finn Wetter of Calgary; Mac and Avianna Miller of Lethbridge; Maxwell, Theo and Emily Poulsen of Vancouver and Mari, Ramona and Fraser Adams of Calgary. He often looked at the photos and cherished drawings of his family. Their visits - and sharing Timbits and stories - brightened his days.
Jens’ simple Molbo philosophy of life was “Man skal pas sin søvn og sin æden.” Translated, “Be sure to get enough sleep and watch what you eat.” Specifically, take a nap every afternoon and eat lots of garden potatoes with gravy and Danish apple cake with whipped cream.
Jens died peacefully on June 25, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 10 AM at Hope Lutheran Church 3527 Boulton Road, NW. Live-streamed at https://www.hopelutheran.ca/
On October 13, Jens would have been 100 years old; we are so thankful for him on this Thanksgiving weekend. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Camp Kuriakos e-transfer info@kuriakos.ab.ca