Allen Carl Jensen
June 10, 1937 ~ April 21, 2013
On Sunday, April 21, 2013 of Vienna, VA from complications of acute myeloid leukemia. Allen was born on the family farm near Humboldt, IA on June 10, 1937. He was the youngest of three sons, born of Frederick and Ela (Johnsen) Jensen, both whose parents emigrated from Denmark. After he earned his B.S. in Agriculture from Iowa State University, Allen began his career with the Iowa Cooperative Extension Service. He was selected as one of six national 4-H Fellows in 1964. During his period of time, Allen earned a Master's degree in Political Science from American University. Following other public service positions. Allen joined the personal staff of Iowa Governor Harold E. Hughes in 1968.
Allen returned to the Washington area in 1969 to become staff director of the Human Resources Committee of the National Governor's Association. In 1975, he joined the professional staff of the sub-committee on human resources of the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means. Allen had lead responsibility for social services programs and Supplemental Security Income programs, with particular emphasis on policies affecting individuals with disabilities.
After leaving the Committee staff in 1989, Allen began work with the Center for Health Services Research and Policy at George Washington University, where he continued to work until shortley before his death.
Survivors include his beloved and devoted wife, Yvon (Reeder) Jensen; sons, Michael Allen and Kevin Christopher, from his marriage which ended in divorce. Also surviving are three step-children, Courtenay De Ginder Gannon (Brian), Walter Tinsley and Waverly Tinsley; brother, Lawrence (Millie)and Their three sons, Chris, Eric and Jon and their respective families. Allen was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Service and Mission Projects of Emmaus United Church of Christ.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Allen returned to the Washington area in 1969 to become staff director of the Human Resources Committee of the National Governor's Association. In 1975, he joined the professional staff of the sub-committee on human resources of the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means. Allen had lead responsibility for social services programs and Supplemental Security Income programs, with particular emphasis on policies affecting individuals with disabilities.
After leaving the Committee staff in 1989, Allen began work with the Center for Health Services Research and Policy at George Washington University, where he continued to work until shortley before his death.
Survivors include his beloved and devoted wife, Yvon (Reeder) Jensen; sons, Michael Allen and Kevin Christopher, from his marriage which ended in divorce. Also surviving are three step-children, Courtenay De Ginder Gannon (Brian), Walter Tinsley and Waverly Tinsley; brother, Lawrence (Millie)and Their three sons, Chris, Eric and Jon and their respective families. Allen was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Service and Mission Projects of Emmaus United Church of Christ.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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My thoughts and prayers are with Allen’s family. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Allen. I enjoyed all our visit’s at every conference we attended together the past 10 years. Allen had great deal of knowledge and I was always greatful for his willingness to share.
My thoughts and prayers are with Allen’s family. He was a brilliant, kind and generous man who made such a difference in millions of lives, including mine. He leaves a lasting legacy and remains an inspiration to so many of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with Allen’s family. He was a brilliant, kind and generous man who made such a difference in millions of lives, including mine. He leaves a lasting legacy and remains an inspiration to so many of us.
Allen was an inspiration to those of us in Indiana who worked tirelessly to advocate for a state Medicaid program for people with disabilities who want to work. He helped to pave the way for this program and many others around the country. I was so honored to work with him in researching outcomes of return to work efforts. He was a guide and mentor to me. I know there are many “stars in his crown” for what he has done for the disability community. May God be with the family and loved ones, and may you cherish the memories you have of this beloved man.
My condolences to the Jensen family. All of my interactions with Allen at work (where I met him) were positive. I can’t recall one instance that was not pleasant and informative. I wish that I could have spoken with him one last time like we would occasionally do during the years we worked at DHP. Rest in peace, Allen.
Michael and Kevin, My heartfelt condolences to both of you on the loss of your Dad. He was very special to you and I know that you have many precious and cherished memories. Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Your Dad would be proud of both of you and you were the treasures of his life. May his memory be eternal.
My condolences. Allen was one of the most helpful and friendly persons I had the pleasure of working with while I was at DHHS. His love of family and work were inspirational. We have lost one of the great ones.
Dear Micheal and Kevin, I’ve known both your parents since they first moved to Virginia and met you when you were too young to remember. I’m so sorry to learn of your Dad’s death. I hope you’ll always have happy memeories of him.
Michael and Kevin, You will not remember us; we were friends with your parents at Emmaus many years ago. Our hearts are heavy for you today. We are so sorry that you are having to go through this difficult time. We hope that soon you will be able to remember, and perhaps even laugh, about the happy days.
Yvon and all of the Jensen family, We are so shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Allen. He seemed to be responding so well to his treatments, and continued to be so productive in all of his many endeavours. Both of you have played such significant roles in the community, not only at GWU and in Vienna, but throughout the wider National Capital area. His work in social policy, as well as education and mentoring has been inspiring to many. We who have worked with him in the Community Ministry have so much appreciated his wise counsel and hard work on many issues through the years. We all will sorely miss him. God be with each member of your family and reward you with many blessings as you remember his many gifts to all of us. Ed and Faye Olson
Allen was a great colleague and a mentor who made a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his family.
Dear Michael, Dear Kevin, I am so sorry. Deeply, Sheila O’Donnell
There are a few special people who have the ability to quietly convey compassion, kindness, humility and dependability to all who are fortunate enough to know them. The lack of ego and need for reward is evidence of the heart and soul of these rare strong and gentle people. Allen Jensen was one of these special people. To know Allen was a gift that lifted me to appreciate the calm and steady presence shown by a man of God. I feel grateful and honored to have known Allen and considered him a friend. I feel the loss of a small piece of my heart, but, thankfully, I know Allen is at peace in Heaven, showing the angels how to plant seedlings. He planted so much kindness and love here on Earth. My sympathy to all who loved him
It was my privilege to know Allen for more than 20 years, primarily from working with him at GWU. He was a true gentleman and devoted advocate. He was kind and considerate to all of his many friends. He truly made the world a better place, both personally and professionally. I am deeply saddened by his loss, and wish Yvon peace and comfort.