Ralph L. Jensen

UNION GROVE—Ralph Louis Jensen, age 91, passed away peacefully at his residence at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove, WI on Friday, April 7, 2017. Ralph was born to Stanley and Bernice (nee Wakeford) Jensen in Racine, WI on July 24, 1925. He graduated from Horlick High School Class of 1943. Ralph proudly served his country in the Army Air Corp 509th Composite Group, WW II from 1943-1946. He was united in marriage to Carol Kluge for 63 years. Ralph was employed as a photo lithographer and worked at both Wetzel Brothers and Angel Lithographing until his retirement in 1990. He was an avid photographer and camera collector and was also the owner of Camera’s Etc. for many years. After his retirement he took up auto restoration and restored a number of Ford Mustangs to their former glory. Ralph was active in the community. He was a Boy Scout Leader for Progressive Dairy Troop 231, and was presented with the Silver Lamb Award. Ralph served as President of Golden K Kiwanis. For many years he participated in the Intergenerational fairs in the Racine County Public Schools introducing Racine area students to his life long passion, model airplane building. Ralph was a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church having served in many capacities including Sunday School Superintendent and a teacher. Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Audrey “Boots” LeRoux, sons Mark (Elinor) Jensen and Dale Jensen, daughters Peggy Elliott, and Heidi (Terry) Sheckles; grandchildren: Rachel Jensen, Shaun Koleske, Erich (Randi) Paselk, Erika (Jeff) Dorn, and Nathan Fisko; great grandchildren: Hailee, Daisee, Jacob, Ava, Xander, Jayden, and Cayson; special “daughter” Connie Mallwitz; nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Carol in 2011. Ralph will be inurned with full military honors on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home. Memorials to Racine Veteran’s Outreach, RSVP, Boy Scouts of America, Lutheran High School or an organization of your choice have been suggested by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com The family wishes to thank the staff at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Home for the compassionate care shown to Ralph.

Ralph L. Jensen

July 24, 1925 - April 7, 2017