Walter L. Jensen

Walter was born on March 27, 1925, in Baraboo, Wis., to the late Theodore and Helene (Madsen) Jensen. At the age of two, his family relocated to Iron Mountain, before settling in Quinnesec.

Walter was proud of his heritage of having a grandmother who made Ida Ringling’s wedding dress, while working for Ringling Circus; and having an aunt (his father’s sister), who was married during the Civil War.

He attended Quinnesec High School before being drafted into the military at the end of his junior year. He served in the Pacific, New Guinea, and The Philippines during World War II.

While serving in the Army, he found his love for flying. He applied for Pilot’s training and scored the highest score ever recorded on the entrance exam, having scored 399 out a possible 400. Unfortunately, his unit was shipped out before a transfer could be accomplished. After the war, he used his GI Bill to accomplish his dream and obtain his pilot’s license.

After his honorable discharge from the military, he returned to Kingsford High School to complete his education. He always bragged about being the only person listed as a graduate with three graduating classes.

Walter married Phyllis Paige on Jan. 28, 1949, in Kingsford, at American Martyrs Catholic Church. They enjoyed 58 years of marriage together before Phyllis preceded him in death on Sept. 26, 2007.

He worked briefly at the Ford Plant in Kingsford before beginning his career at Kimberly Clark in Niagara, Wis., where he worked for more than 40 years.

In addition to flying, Walter loved hunting, fishing, bowling, going to camp, and working in his house. He coached little league and was active in the Red Wing Ski Club and Winter Sports Association. He loved volunteering, participating in Walk for Warmth, Right to Life, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, and peanut sales for the Golden K.

He logged over 18,000 volunteer hours at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

Walter is survived by his sons, Ted Jensen of Breitung Township, and Mike (Cleora) Jensen of Hartford, Mich.; very dear daughter-in-law, Maria Monosso; nine grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his loving wife of 58 years, he was preceded in death by his son, Fred Jensen; and four siblings.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Breitung Township Cemetery in Quinnesec. Military honors will be given by American Legion Post 50 and the active United States Army.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Walter’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain to honor Walter’s legacy of life.