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NORTH WEBSTER – David Charles Jehnsen, 83, passed away peacefully Monday, July 20, 2026, at Miller's Merry Manor, Warsaw.
He was born May 22, 1943, to Ernest R. Jehnsen and Kathryn Brightbill Jehnsen.
He founded The Institute for Human Rights And Responsibilities together with the late Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. David codified The Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation curriculum based on experiences working with Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement, which inspired and equipped thousands of people around the world to connect with the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
David developed long-term nonviolence projects in Cuba, New Orleans and Miami, training Miami Dade Police Force in nonviolence social change for democracy. Additionally, he drafted the legislation for New York State Martin Luther King Jr. Institute during Mario M. Cuomo's tenure as governor.
He would proudly say that all his work naturally grew from values that he learned growing up in the Michigan district of The Church of the Brethren. He was an avid cook, hunter, fisherman, lover of dogs, lover of wild flowers and wine connoisseur. He married Deborah Mardigan on 8-8-88.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah; and his sister, Marie (Garry) Jehnsen Tom. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Kathryn (Brightbill) Jehnsen; brothers, John Jehnsen and Ernest Jehnsen Jr.; son, Stephen Jehnsen; and niece, Ranee Tom.
Visitation for David will take place Saturday, Aug. 1 at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, 7281 E. CR 600N, North Webster, from 10 a.m. until noon. The memorial service will begin at noon with Pastor Mike Kendall officiating.
His family kindly requests that donations in honor of David be made to On Earth Peace or Faith Bible Fellowship Church.
Titus Funeral Home of North Webster is entrusted with David’s arrangements.
