Herman Otto Jensen, 87, passed away November 15, 2011, at Ashland, Ohio.  Those who knew ever- a few of his adventures may have been surprised that he made it this far.

His ‘times I almost died’ stories include:  being stomped on by horses, overcome with heat exhaustion in a wildfire, and jumping from a burning airplane.   As a lineman, a telephone pole fell over on him, and he miraculously survived being electrocuted by 13,000 volts.

Herman loved smoking, pinochle, fast cars, babies, working outdoors -- and most of all helping people.  As chief of a volunteer fire and ambulance crew in Royal City, Herm and his crew saved many lives.  He had an uncanny knack with horses and could walk right up to ones that were badly hurt.

Herman was born on February 18, 1924, to Otto Jensen and Mary Armbruster, on a homestead near Grand Coulee.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942, and served 50 missions as a belly turret gunner in a B17.  His plane was shot down over Yugoslavia, and Herman was missing in action for more than a month before reuniting with his unit. 

Herman married Norma Alice Vieth in 1949 and had four children: Gail, Debra, Ric and Sandra.  Following his divorce from Norma in 1974, Herman married Shirley McLain in Las Vegas. After retirement, Herman and Shirley enjoyed fishing and rock hunting across the country.

Herman was well-known for his work with the Grant County Public Utility District in Royal City from 1964 through 1984.  He also served as mayor there.

Herman is preceded in death by his half-brother Ben Larsen, half-sister Beulah Gilden, brother Evan Jensen, first wife Norma Jensen; second wife Shirley Jensen, and daughters Gall Pond and Debra Hatzenbuhler. He is survived by brother Otto Jensen Jr. of Coulee City, son Ric Jensen of Ashland, Ohio, daughter Sandra Partridge of Shelton, Washington, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Herman was a true gentleman - funny, brave, gentle, generous and playful, and he loved to see what was around the bend - we’re going to miss him.

Please join Herman’s family for a celebration of his life to be held 2 p.m., Saturday June 16, at Strate Funeral Chapel, 329 E. Grand Coulee Ave., Grand Coulee. “If you knew Herm, we’d love to hear your stories!”