Robert L. Jensen

Robert (Bob) Lars Jensen passed away at the age of 94 years old on January 19, 2024, in Elgin, Illinois.  Born in Chicago, Illinois on March 9, 1929, Bob became the first generation of his family to be born in the U.S.A. after his father, Lars Jensen, migrated from Denmark in 1927 and married Myrtle M Nielsen of New York.

Bob attended Lane Tech High School in Chicago and served in the U.S. Army from 1951 – 1953 where he was stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. After his military service ended he completed his Machinist Apprenticeship and married Theresa (Terry) Maczko on October 5, 1957 in Chicago. In 1959, they bought a house and moved to Lombard, Illinois, where they started their family. Bob and Terry remained in Lombard until Terry’s unexpected death at the age of 40 in September 1976.

In his younger years, Bob enjoyed being outdoors spending time with his family. He had been a Boy Scout co-leader for his son’s troop and a willing volunteer with his daughters’ Girl Scout troop, which Terry was a leader. Besides camping, Bob also enjoyed fishing, bowling and bicycle riding.

Bob married Linda Heidelmeier and moved to Naperville. When he retired in 1994 he and Linda moved to Florida where they stayed until Linda passed in 2016. Bob especially loved the warmth and daily dose of the Florida sunshine, sitting in his driveway waving at everyone who passed, and all of his kind neighbors. In 2021 Bob moved back to Illinois to live with his daughter Anita and her husband, so that he could be closer to his family.

Bob was a fan of the Chicago Bears to the end. He was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union. He had a quick and quirky sense of humor and was always available to provide advice or help in any way he could. In recent years, Bob’s doctor asked him what his health goals were and Bob wittingly replied that now he’s gotten this far, he would like to make it to 100.

Bob is lovingly remembered by his family, including son Don Jensen, daughters Anita (Curt) Walden and Patti Jensen, grandson Christopher (Katie) Bochenek and great-granddaughter Iris, sister-in-law Theresa Maczko, niece Kathleen McFarland and nephews Scott (Donna) Maczko and Mike (Jama) Maczko.

His spirit and mental health were willing to go all the way, but his body could not hold out. Bob / Dad / Grandpa / Great-Grandpa you will be greatly and deeply missed.

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