Richard Harvey Jensen

Richard “Dick” Harvey Jensen, aged 81, died on December 15, 2022 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Richard is survived by his loving wife Kay, his two children, Bryan (Jennifer) Jensen and Michelle (Ted) Toborg, and his grandchildren, Emily and Tyler Toborg and Genevieve Jensen. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Doris Jensen, and brother Michael Jensen.

Richard was born in the small town of Ringsted, Iowa. After graduating from high school he attended Iowa State for two years and finished his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and science at the University of Northern Iowa. He later attended the University of Iowa where he received his Masters in Physical Therapy and PhD in Neuroanatomy.

Richard spent 18 years as the Director of the Physical Therapy Program at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. He then finished his career at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Florida, where he served as both the Director of Graduate Studies and Professor of Neuroanatomy. He held many state and national offices in the American Physical Therapy Association and the Foundation for Physical Therapy. After a long and successful career, Richard retired to spend more time with his wife and family (who lovingly called him “Papa”), play a lot of golf, and enjoy passing the time with his beloved dog, China.

Though these personal and professional accomplishments were notable, Richard’s legacy will undoubtedly be the impact he had on those around him. He had a quiet but strong faith in God which was reflected in his daily life. He had a lifelong love of learning and sharing knowledge, earning the affectionate nickname “Dr. J” from the countless students he worked with through the years. He firmly believed in the potential of others, encouraging everyone to chase their dreams and fight passionately for the things they cared about. Most memorably, he had a light hearted sense of humor and was a bit of a troublemaker. His life was filled with lots and lots of laughter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lymphoma Research Foundation and or Redbone Coonhound Rescue of North Carolina.