Born Apr. 17, 1890, near Stavanger, Norway, to Ole (1854-1927) and Gunhild (1863-1949) Stangeland. His father was a farmer and lay preacher. While studying at the Military Officers' Academy, Kristiansand, Norway, Jens was converted. Immigrated in 1909. Graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary, 1914; ordained as a pastor of the Evangelical Free Chruch. Married Clara Landen, Sept. 28, 1916, Winnipeg, Canada. Naturalized, 1929, Brooklyn, N.Y. Parishes served during his 40 yrs. in the ministry: Winnipeg, Canada; Superior, Wis.; Tacoma, Wash.; South Ozone Park, N.Y.; Elizabeth, N.J.;Staten Island, N.Y. Jens always had a cordial feeling for the Luth. church since it was through her ministry in Norway that he found assurance of salvation. Died May 26, 1958, Staten Island, N.Y.

Brothers: Torjus (b. 1892) , Ole (b. 1899); Bjarne (b. 1901).
Sisters: Ingeborg (b. 1894); Astrid (b. 1896).
Children: Esther; Ruth (m. Rev. Trygve R. Skarsten, ALC pastor, Tucson, Ariz.).

Honored by his wife Clara, Tenafly, N.J., and daughter Ruth Skarsten, Tucson, Ariz.