Obituary of Harvey Magnus Jensen , 88

Harvey Magnus Jensen, 88, died January 29, 2014, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, PA.

Harvey was born July 29, 1925, on a farm in Shelby County, Iowa to Jens Magnus and Martha (Nelson) Jensen. He graduated from the eighth grade at Polk No. 1, a one-room schoolhouse. While working on the farm, Harvey studied textbooks left behind by his older brother and was able to qualify as an Aviation Cadet in the Army Air Corps, which he entered in February 1944. He was discharged in November 1945, shortly after the end of WWII. He entered Iowa State University under the GI Bill and graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering in June 1949.

Harvey married Ardyce Paulsen on July 26, 1949 in Harlan, Iowa. They resided for six years in Chicago where Harvey worked for Commonwealth Edison. In 1955 he joined the faculty of Penn State University where he worked for 35 years at the Applied Research Laboratory.

Harvey is survived by Ardyce, his beloved wife of 65 years, a sister, Verlee Shupe of Harlan Iowa, and three sons, Steven of Philadelphia, PA, Curtis of Palm Bay, FL, and Bryan of State College, PA.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Dale, Howard, and Wayne.

Harvey and Ardyce have four grandchildren, Theodore, Karl, Kirsten and Neil, and four great-grandchildren.

At the age of 14, Harvey accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, describing it as the “greatest decision of my life.” Shortly after arriving in State College, he read of a new church, Calvary Baptist, and attended the first service. Harvey and Ardyce remained in the church and helped it grow from a tiny group into the large, vibrant church that it is today.

Friends will be received from 4 until 6 p.m., on Monday, February 3, 2014 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1250 University Drive, State College, with the Reverend Daniel Nold officiating.

Burial will be at Centre County Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.