Richard Henry Jensen, 25 Mar 1937 - 27 May 2020

JENSEN, BERTRAM, NEWCOMB, WAY

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 6/11/2020 at 13:29:40

Richard Henry Jensen passed away May 27, 2020 at home in Williamsburg, IA. Dick was born March 25, 1937 to Leo J. and Edna L. (Bertram) Jensen in Davenport, IA. He attended the University of Iowa where he met Caryl J. Newcomb, wooed her by saying he was named for two kings, and they married September 16, 1961 in Williamsburg, IA.

He then spent two years in the US Army, returning to Iowa upon discharge to earn his law degree at the U of I. He spent his professional career with the US Government, where he was highly respected for his integrity and strong work ethic, and received several commendations in acknowledgment before he retired.

He also held a passion for the creative arts: an avid music fan, particularly knowledgeable about classical music, he was a talented sketch artist and water colorist, and an excellent self-taught wood-worker. His many creations, both beautiful and practical, are treasured features in his and the homes of all his children. His biggest desire from an early age was to become a dad, and all decisions from there were made toward supporting his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Caryl, and their four children Kirsten(Bret), Eric, John, and Tom. He is also survived by his sister Sue Way, Jensen sisters-in-law Mary Jo and Barb, and several dozen Jensen nieces and nephews. His surviving Newcomb in-laws are Jim & Susan, Wink, Marcia & John, Mary, Clemence, and more nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Helen, Liz, Frances, Joanne, Nancy, and Diane; brothers Leo Jr, Tom, Jack, and David; his siblings' spouses Jean, Bob, Lou, Alex, and Al; and a niece and nephew. Also preceding him were Caryl's parents Winnie and Bill, sister Sheri, and brother Bill.

Finally our beloved Sofi, a person trapped in a very good dog suit, is waiting on the other side hoping Dad brought some bacon or ham or turkey with him.

His family already misses his quiet reasoning, wisdom and intelligence, and especially his dry wit and often silly sense of humor. He was not a "man of faith" but his ethics and compassionate understanding of human nature very much paralleled the best teachings of all faiths where acceptance and tolerance for difference is valued. He loved his family so very much.

His memory and family would be honored by anyone choosing to make a donation to fund Alzheimer's research, literacy programs, arts education for young people, or animal rescue. Services will be held at a later date.

Published in The Hometown Current on June 10, 2020.