In Memory

Thomas Jensen

Thomas Jensen

THOMAS R. 'TOM' JENSEN, 71 ROCKFORD - Thomas R. "Tom" Jensen, 71, of Rockford, passed away from cancer Saturday, March 8, 2014, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 6, 1943, in Chicago, the son of Christ R. and Marie M. (Daker) Jensen. Tom was in the first graduating class from Auburn High School, Rockford, and attended Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Tom was a veteran of the United States Army. He served in Military Intelligence from August, 1964 to June, 1968 while stationed in Turkey and Vietnam. His early careers were in life insurance and communication technology sales. For the past eight years he loved working with his colleagues at Cancer Treatment Center of America (CTCA) and assisting patients/family members dealing with cancer. He continued his dedication to CTCA until a week before his death. Family meant the world to Tom. He was known as "Pops," famous for his story telling, and ability to make up games to play with his grandkids. Tom had an unbelievable memory for historical dates and details. Tom was a lifelong fan of the Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks. He loved all things golf. Most important to Tom was his deep love for God. He read the bible and prayed daily. He was devoted to his faith, serving as an altar boy, lecturing, and participating in many ministries and the Knights of Columbus. Tom is survived by his wife of 22 happy years, Marilyn Wells; son, Jeff (Meridith) and daughter, Jonika (John) Winkler, both of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter-in-law, Natalie Jensen; stepdaughters, Jacqueline Wells, Waunakee, WI and Pamela Wells, Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Courtney, Kyle, Aaron and Faith; sisters, Dolores (Tom) Birchall, Marian (Arthur) Carvajal and Jackie Hauschild; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children, Joshua Adam, Jonika Lynn, Jon-Anna Marie and Jared Scott; his parents; brothers, Walter and Rowland; sisters, LaVerne and Pat. Visitation 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, 330 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg. Instate Wednesday 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, IL, with Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Funeral information or online condolences www.ahlgrimfuneral.com or 847-882-5580.