Racine – Kenneth “Ken” Jensen, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, at Hospice Alliance – Racine Hospice House, surrounded with the love of family.
Ken was born in Racine on August 24, 1928 to the late Bert and Magda (nee: Jacobsen) Jensen. After graduating from Washington Park High School in 1946, Kenny faithfully served our Country with the United States Army during the Korean War.
On September 15, 1950 in Holy Communion Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Rita Marie (nee: Knosgaard). Ken was the President / Owner of Bert Jensen & Sons Sheet Metal for his entire career until retiring in 1990.
With a profound Christian faith, he was a member of Bethania Lutheran Church. Respected for his wealth of knowledge & interest in our community, Ken served on the Board of Directors for M&I Bank, Danish-American Home, and Lincoln Lutheran. He was also active with the Racine Jaycees & Elks Clubs. Among his interests, Kenny enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, summering at his home on Bohner’s Lake and wintering in sunny Arizona. Above all, Kenny spent every available moment in the surroundings of his adored family.
Surviving are his loving wife and best-friend of 63 years, Rita; their children, Bruce (JoAnne) Jensen, Camille (Edward) Guion and Randall Jensen; grandchildren, Michael and Marna Jensen; Hannah, Haley and Mia Guion; Jarrett and Jack Jensen; sister, Norma Pugh; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, Bert Jensen; mother, Magda Jensen-Munch; step-father, Hans Munch; brother, Albert (Janice) Jensen; brother-in-law, Lindley Pugh; Rita’s parents, Jens and Dagmar Knosgaard; and sister-in-law, Phyllis (Vince) Raschella.
In accordance with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in Bethania Lutheran Church, 4120 Wright Avenue, on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 11 am -1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Bethania Lutheran Church, Hospice Alliance or The Prairie School Performing Arts have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care & support given to Ken and to our family during the past few weeks. May God bless all of you!
Jerry swamer says
Great man who loved life
Anonymous says
George and Beverly Kaplan says
Dear Rita and family, We are so very sorry our friend Ken died. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. He will missed by all. Geo and Bev.
Kirk & Lynn Engholt says
Dear Rita, Bruce,Kim and Randy – I have nothing but fond and loving memories of the time we spent together as we all grew up in West Racine. Being able to enjoy Bohner’s Lake were special times for myself and our family. My thoughts and prayers are most certainly with all of you as you ‘celebrate Ken’s life’. Peace be with you.
Kirk & Lynn Engholt
Patrick Manske says
I extend my sincerest sympathies to the Jensen family and their siblings. The Jensen family has always had a fondness in my heart both in business and personal. They helped start me off in my new career some 50 years ago. I certainly missed working with the elder brother Albert and Ken and then following Brian and Bruce. Many days I reflect on what a pleasure it was to know and work with them and recall the Friday dinners at Grandmas house in addition to the invitations for ski trips to the UP. Those times are pleasant memories for me to cherish.
God always bless the Jensen families.
Pat Manske
Steve Koch says
Jensen Family,
Saddened to read about Ken. I wish I could be there in person to extend my sympathy. However I am out of state at this time.
Steve Koch says
Jensen Family,
Saddened to read about Ken. I wish I could be there in person to extend my sympathy. However I am out of state at this time
Kitty (Carolyn Swamer) says
Rita: My blessings to you and your family for the passing of your husband.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller
Gary & Bonnie Hamm says
Rita and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Ken’s death. Gary enjoyed talking sports with Ken at the happy hours you and Ken graciously hosted in AZ . He was such a good guy. We are sorry for your loss. Our sympathy to all of your family. Bonnie & Gary Hamm