Greg Bast Jensen
Greg Bast Jensen, 74 of Springfield, MN, passed away peacefully at home the morning of November 2, 2024. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield. Service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. The clergy will be Pastor Carl Billings. Military Rites will be provided by John Watson American Legion Post #257. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
He was born on August 26, 1950, in Sleepy Eye, MN, to Lloyd and Irene (Bast) and grew up on the family farm. He began driving a tractor at the age of 3 and was a hard worker all his life. He didn’t love school but was incredibly intelligent and witty. Greg left Springfield High School early to enlist in the United States Army and fight in the Vietnam War. He returned home with heroic and heartbreaking memories that would long outlast his time traveling the world and serving alongside his comrades. The day after his 20th birthday, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his outstandingly meritorious service in military ground operations against hostile forces.
When the war was over, he worked long summers for Mathiowetz Construction and often looked forward to winter. He enjoyed keeping up with the regulars at the Cobden and Clements bars and loved to have people stop by for a few beers. Eventually, he sold his farm and moved in with his neighbor, Kathy, who turned into his loyal, lifelong companion. He quickly became a member of her family and embraced his role as the beloved ‘Grandpa B.’ Under his gruff edges was a gentle soul who longed for relationships and conversation. He was quick to ask others what was happening in their lives and always listened well.
He was easily content doing his favorite hobbies surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed watching westerns, sweet treats, deer in the yard, ice fishing trips, sports betting, cigarettes, giving snake bites, cheering for the Twins, and phone calls from friends and family. Greg could always be convinced to play a game of Cribbage, Checkers, or Dirty Buck no matter what time of day or night. He liked to get a little rowdy, especially when there was a chance to rip the Vikings as a lifelong Chicago Bears fan.
Greg had a great memory and appreciated chances to share about the fun and hard times of life–always thankful for all that he had. His mind was sharp until the day his body could no longer keep up. He even gave Kathy instructions on getting the house ready for winter minutes before he passed. She was endlessly kind and loving toward him, even when he wanted to tough it out himself. He was a fighter and knew God had a plan for his life. He joined the Lord in heaven after a tough but fulfilling life well lived.
Greg is survived by his wonderful companion, Kathy Pautzke, and her children: Tanya (Chad) Hovland, Nick (Andy) Pautzke, Crystal (Nick) Dauer; and those who called him ‘Grandpa B’: Hailey (Andrew) Grout, Ivan, Nolan, Violet, Leo, and Sylvia Hovland; Angel, Michael, and Grace Pautzke; Skyla, Hazel, Lydia, Farrah, JD, and Weston Dauer. His siblings and their families: Gail (Lowell) Heiderscheidt, Gary (Karen), Grant (Lynette), Glenn (Anita); sisters-in-law: LeAnn and Sandy Jensen; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends. Greg was preceded in death by his parents: Lloyd and Irene; brothers: Garth and Gerard; sister-in-law, Rita; and nephews: Joseph and Adam Jensen.