Jens Valdemar Jensen and Dorthea Marie Pedersen – Walter Thomsen’s Grandparents
Jens Valdemar Jensen was born on July 2, 1859, in Vrads,
Skanderborg, Denmark, where his father was a school teacher.
Later, the family moved to Underup where his father was the
head school master. He married Dorthea Marie Jensen on
February 19, 1887, at the church in Hvirring, Denmark.
Four months after Jens marriage to Dorthea, Helena Jensen
was born on July 1, 1887, in Hvirring. Hvirring is where
Dorthea’s parents lived. In 1889, the family moved to Kasted
that lies north of Aarhus. Petra Elizabeth Jensen was born
on November 19, 1889. Otto Christian Jensen was born on
October 25, 1892, in Kasted. Around 1893, the family moved
back to Underup and lived on a farm called Brevads. Anna
Jensen was born on November 22, 1894, in Underup at the
Brevads farm. Around 1897, the family moved to Naldal, just
a little north of Underup. Mary Oline Jensen was born on May
13, 1897, lived only three months, and was buried at the
Nordre Kirkegaard (North Cemetery) in Aarhus. In the summer
of 1897, the family moved to Aarhus to seek better
employment opportunities. While in Aarhus, Jens was an actor
at the Aarhus Opera House and was a baker. Herluf Jensen was
born on October 25, 1900, in Aarhus and lived only five
months and was buried at the Nordre Kirkegaard (North
Cemetery) in Aarhus.
Jens became interested in the LDS Church in Aarhus and was
baptized on July 2, 1902, in the sea outside Aarhus,
Denmark. In March 1905, he immigrated to Salt Lake City to
make a home for his family. His daughter Helena mentions his
adventurous spirit and strong faith. In 1906, he sent for
Dorthea, Anne, and Christian. In 1907, Helene and Elizabeth,
who were the oldest children, arrived in Salt Lake City.2
Upon arriving in Salt Lake, its streets reflected the still
struggling pioneer effort to build a city in the Salt Lake
Valley. Payment on Main Street extended only from South
Temple to 9th South.3
Jens was a baker and traveled in Utah, in Idaho, and to
Dayton, Ohio. He lived in a tent in Bingham Canyon where he
baked and prepared food for miners, leaving him many miles
from home. Because of his strong will and independent
character, he changed jobs frequently.2 During World War I,
he was commissary manager of the Atlantic Loading Company in
New Jersey for several years, but returned to Utah
immediately after the war.3
The first Jensen home at 1317 West 400 South, Salt Lake City
was very small, see attached picture. Later, Jens built a
larger, four-room home at 1381 West 400 South, see attached
picture. Jens favored Chinese elm trees because of their
easy propagation. He started them at his home and shared
them with family and friends.1 He advocated home ownership
and individuality in the designing of homes and would often
sketch floor plans. 3
Dorthea Marie Pedersen was born on September 10, 1864, in
Hvirring, Skanderborg, Denmark. Dorthea was known as the
“sweet angel mother” and was peaceful and humble. In July of
1902, she joined the LDS Church in Aarhus, Denmark and
arrived in Utah in 1906. She worked hard in taking care of
neighbors and friends to the detriment of her own health.2
After 1915, Dorthea began suffering from dementia. For a
short time she lived at the State Hospital in Provo.
Thereafter, Helena took care of Dorthea in her home on 1314
West Pacific Avenue where she died from a severe stroke on
August 18, 1918. She was buried in the City Cemetery in Salt
Lake City.1
In 1935, Jens married Caroline Marie Hansen in the Salt Lake
Temple. Caroline only spoke Danish, was not happy living in
Utah, missed her native Denmark. Jens had known her in
Aarhus. She was headed back to Denmark until Jens decided
upon their marriage. Caroline was kind and loving. She died
in 1938.1
At Christmas time, he baked Danish pastries for the family.
Each child received one of these pastries. Each had a silver
dollar in it.
Jen’s mode of transportation was by bus, street car, or
foot. A car was not within his income. Because he was
frugal, his small salary was sufficient for his needs.
The family fondly called him best-a-fa’ (bedstefader is a
Danish word meaning grandfather).1 His English was limited,
and he generally spoke Danish. He was an enthusiastic
sportsman. He was known for his hard work, being
intellectual, being very clean, and always tidy in his
appearance.1
When Walter Thomsen was in the army in the early 1940’s,
Jens would help Marjorie by preparing kindling wood that was
used to start the coal furnace and helped with the yard
work. In 1942, he retired. In his last years, he baked for
the family; at Christmas he baked a rich white bread with
citron and raisin in it. The family often got together to
enjoy their coffee, and the family spoke in Danish around
the dinner table. He was an active High Priest in the 32nd
Ward. Jens lived at his children’s homes on the weekends. In
his later years, Jens lived at 547 South 1200 East with his
daughter Anna, who cared for him until his death on February
18, 1952. He was buried at the City Cemetery in Salt Lake
City. 1
Sources:
1. Verbal history by Marjorie June White Thomsen
2. Written history by Helena C Jensen Thomsen
3. Deseret News Article, July 1949
Written by Richard W. Thomsen
Jens Valdemar Jensen and Dorthea Marie Pedersen in about 1887, taken in Horsens, Denmark shortly after their marriage.
The family in Aarhus, Denmark in about 1903 Left to right: Helena, Anna, Jens, Dorthea, Elizabeth, and Christian
Jens Valdemar Jensen
Danielle Thomsen in from of Aarhus Cathedral
Dorthea Marie Pedersen
Alter at Hvirring Parish Church where Dorthea Pedersen and Helena Jensen were christened. Also where Dorthea and Jens Jensen were married.
Underup is at the top of the map on the left side. Pictures of Underup can be found under the history of Christian Thomsen Jensen, section 10. It was in Underup that Anna Jensen was born to Jens and Dorthea and where Christian Thomsen Jensen was the head school master and Degn (assistant priest). Helena was born in Hvirring that has the above church built in 1230 and that lies directly south of Underup. Dorthea Marie Pedersen was born in Hvirring. Not far away is Himmel Bjerg (Heaven’s Mountain) that is the highest point in Denmark at about 500 feet (147 meters) above sea level and the Lake District that is picturesque.
Hvirring Parish Church
The family attended church in this LDS Chapel in Aarhus, Denmark. This is the organ that Helena played.
Birthplace of Jens Valdemar Jensen in Vrads, Denmark. Vrads is west of Underup.
Jens Valdemar Jensen, age 92
Jensen home and farm (named Brevads) outside Underup and where Anna Jensen was born in 1894.
Left to right: Jens, Dorthea, Bodil (Oluf’s mother), Walter, Christian Thomsen, Oluf Nielsen, and Anna, in 1918.
Wedding card from Jens to Walter and Marjorie Thomsen in 1938 with his signature.
Upon arriving in Utah, Jens Jensen built this home at 1317 West 400 South, picture taken in 2006 when it was in disrepair.
Jens Jensen later built this four room home at 1381 West 400 South, picture taken in 2006.
Jens’ 90th Birthday Celebration held at Anna and Oluf’s Home
Left to right: Christian Jensen (son), Dr. Root (friend), Jens Jensen, Anna Nielsen (daughter), Helena Thomsen (daughter), Oluf Nielsen (son-in-law), Mrs. Hortence Root (friend), Christian Thomsen (son-in-law)