Jerry Jensen

Jerry Allen Jensen, age 75, of Chilton, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. He was born February 25, 1950 in Clinton, Iowa, son of the late Eddie & Laura (Hoy) Jensen.

Although Jerry was born in Iowa, his family spent time between Illinois and Iowa before settling down in the great state of Wisconsin when he was in 8th grade. It was in Granton, Wisconsin where Jerry not only made lifelong friends who helped him grow into the man he would become but also met the love of his life, Patricia Barten.

After High School, Jerry attended school at UW-Marshfield while working full time for a short bit before deciding to enlist in the United States Navy. His military journey began with boot camp at the Great Lakes Training Command in Gurney, Illinois and then continued with technical training in Millington, Tennessee for Aircraft Maintenance Hydraulics. Following training, he was assigned to Aircraft Training Command VT-6 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida in 1971. He married Patricia on June 5, 1971 and together they welcomed the birth of their first child, Bethany while serving as the intermediate maintenance hydraulics shop hanger until he was honorably discharged in 1974.

Post military service, Jerry and his growing family moved back to Wisconsin where he finished his degree at UW-Platteville in Agribusiness and began his civilian career in Monroe, WI as a Loan Officer. Soon after, they welcomed their son, Daniel, to the family while Jerry's professional career eventually took him to Potter, WI in 1987.

Jerry and Pat settled down themselves in Chilton, WI to raise their family. Jerry became actively involved in the local Optimist Club and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He took great pride in serving his community and was an integral part of the building of the current worship space at Gloria Dei, where Jerry served on board in different roles, most notably the congregational president numerous times.

Wanting to be an active part of his children’s activities, Jerry was “volen-told” to be the scout leader for Troop 810 in Chilton. It wasn’t something he expected but he was happy to take on the challenge. Through his leadership, Jerry helped guide numerous young men to become Eagle Scouts.

After retirement from the banking industry, Jerry was able to pursue his actual passion which was tinkering. He submitted his resume to the Walmart in Chilton where they immediately put his skills to use assembling bikes, grills, and other items for others to enjoy.

He is survived by his wife: Patricia; his children: Bethany R. (Mickey) Wiskow, Daniel (Beth) Jensen; grandchildren: Oskar, Anton, Merrick, Emilia, Louisa, Annika; his sibling: Tom (Marcia) Jensen; siblings-in-law: Nancy (Darrell) Buettner, George (Bonnie) Barten. He is further survived by a nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (N1230 Seven Corners Rd) in New Holstein with Nealy Janicek officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until 11:15 am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.