Sigard “Sig” Allen Jensen, 76

Sigard “Sig” Allen Jensen, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Athol, Idaho, on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, at New Song Bible Church with Pastor Barry Johnson officiating.

Sig was born Sept. 15, 1945, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Peter and Elma Jensen. He graduated high school in Fountain, Colo., in 1963 and then continued his education at Western State and Colorado State University. He served in the United States Army during the Korean DMZ Conflict from 1966-68. At his brother’s graveside in 1967, Sig made a radical life change and committed to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Soon after, he met Jeannie Jones and they were married Aug. 8, 1969, in Hamilton, Mont. Their marriage was built on a foundation of unwavering love for each other and trust in the Lord. His greatest desire was to become a godly husband and father. He had a deep love for God’s Word and wanted to learn to understand it, so he enrolled at Montana Institute of the Bible in Lewistown, Mont. He graduated in 1977 with a B.A. from MIB and was soon ordained, then became a pastor of two churches, one in Musselshell and another Roundup, Mont.

In 1980 the family moved to Athol, Idaho. Sig loved to teach. He especially loved to teach young people how to understand the Bible and to become men and women of character. Upon moving to Idaho, he began teaching at Southside Christian School in Cocolalla, Idaho, and shortly thereafter became principal. Next, he served as principal for ALACCA Christian Academy in Sandpoint, Idaho, followed by Clark Fork Christian Academy in Clark Fork, Idaho, until his retirement in 2016. In 2000, Sig was recognized in the Who’s Who Among American Teachers. He also volunteered at many youth group and Bible camp activities.

Throughout his life he was also a log truck driver, irrigation ditch rider, concrete worker, logger, sawyer and farmer. He had a heart for missions and prayed for missionaries daily. Sig also served as an Elder at New Song Bible Church and as Kelso Lake Precinct Member.

Sig enjoyed hard work, the outdoors, old cars and raising cows. He loved to read. He liked to compete in almost anything. As a high school wrestler, he made it to the state competition. He loved to watch sports, especially boxing, football, basketball and collegiate wrestling. It wasn't just about who won and lost, but he appreciated a hard-fought struggle. He admired an athlete who had grit, who practiced relentlessly and played the game with principle and character.

Sig was a godly husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandpa, son and friend. He was a beloved pastor, teacher, mentor and counselor. He was a man of prayer and devotion to God. He adored his family, bettered his community and loved his country. Sig was always a man of his word. He was bold. He stood for the truth and his convictions. The way he lived was foundational to many.

Sig genuinely loved people. In times of need, he was generous with everything: firewood, hay, time, vehicles, money and even his livestock. He will be remembered for many wise adages like, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” or “There are only two times when it’s OK to quit — when you’re wrong and when you’re finished!” and “Don't doubt in the dark what you've seen in the light.” He wanted to “leave it all out on the field and save nothing for the locker room,” “to know Him (Jesus) and make Him known.”

Sig lived out his life verses: Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” and 2 Tim. 2:1-3 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” He believed his primary duty in life was to be a servant; not to please any man, but to please God. He believed that serving was "lived out" in discipleship.

Sig is survived by his bride of 52 years, Jeannie Jensen of Athol; five sons: Melvin (Tracy) Jensen of Priest River, Craig (Jennifer) Jensen of Bonners Ferry, Jack (Karina) Jensen of Sydney, Australia, Michael (Loretta) Jensen of Coeur d’Alene, and Thomas (Ashley) Jensen of Athol; two daughters: ChristiAnn McEvers of Coeur d’Alene and LorenaAnn of Spokane, Wash.; 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Ann Jonas of Athol; one brother, Peter Jensen of Athol; and mother-in-law Verla Jones of Athol.

Sig was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law George Jones; brother, Melvin C. Jensen, and granddaughter Amber Jensen.

Memorial donations may be made to New Song Bible Church’s Missionary Fund. Please make checks payable to: New Song Bible Church, 470250 US-95, Sagle, ID 83860. Please designate: Missions — Sig Jensen in memo.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Sig’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.