Delbert Wildey Jensen, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. He was born on February 17, 1934, on Lopez Island to John Alden Jensen and Alice (Yotty) Jensen.

He was one of thirteen children, with nine sisters and four brothers. Delbert grew up in Summit Park and attended school in Anacortes, Washington, graduating from Anacortes High School in 1952. As a student, he excelled in track, wrestling and football, playing as middle linebacker for the AHS Seahawks, a role in which he fondly remembered only the Burlington-Edison High School running backs ever escaping his tackles.

After high school, Delbert enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic training, he was deployed to support American forces during the Korean War. He was stationed in the remote northwest region of Alaska, where he was responsible for running communication cables and phone lines for the troops.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1955, Delbert returned to Anacortes and began working for a newly established telephone company. It was during this time he met Patricia (Pat, PJ) Darlene Perkins, a young waitress at Vi & Pete's Café. Their courtship quickly led to marriage at the First Baptist Church in Anacortes on September 14, 1957.

Delbert and Pat moved to Oak Harbor in 1959 after welcoming their first son, Delbert Lloyd, in 1958. They expanded their family with three more children: Jeff (1960), Suzanne (1961-1963), and Tom (1963). The family resided in Oak Harbor until 1975, when they relocated to Burlington, Washington.

Delbert spent his career with General Telephone (GTE) in Mount Vernon, retiring in 1990. He and Pat were devoted supporters of their children and grandchildren, following them to every sports event. Their favorite tradition was sharing hugs, snacks, and drinks after each game.

Delbert is survived by his sons, Jeff (Debbie) Jensen of Burlington, WA, and Tom (Wendy) Jensen of Florence, AZ; his grandchildren, Amy (Billy) Crowe, Bobby (Brooke) Jensen, Zac (Madison) Jensen, Scott (Jennifer) Jensen, Steven (Emily) Jensen, Seth Jensen, and Skyler (Molleigh) Jensen; as well as 14 great-grandchildren: Hayden, Houston, Hudson, Memphis, Maverick, Aldo, Mazy, Shoshauna, Kimberlee, Abbigail, Tennley, Cooper, Reagan, and Henry; his sister, Charlotte; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, son, Del and daughter, Suzanne.

A Celebration of Delbert's life will be held at 11:00, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Inspire Church Burlington Campus, with Military Honors, 1551 E Rio Vista Ave, Burlington, WA. Followed by a reception and a time for refreshments and fellowship.

A time for viewing will be available at Lemley Chapel on Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19, 2025 from 9 to 5. Share your memories of Delbert and sign the online guest register.