George Wilmer Jensen, Jr., 88, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully, Friday morning, September 8, 2023 in the comfort of his home, where he was lovingly cared for by his wife, Peg, and family.
He was born August 23, 1935 in Sturgeon Bay to City Fire Chief George Wilmer Jensen, Sr. and Edna Josephine (Zettel) Jensen. George grew up attending St. Joseph Parish and Parochial School. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the class of 1954.
George loved to tell that in 4th grade he had his eye on the "girl with the blonde ponytail" saying to himself, "I'm going to marry that girl someday." On September 17, 1955, he exchanged marriage vows with Margaret "Peg" Malzahn (the girl with the blonde ponytail), at their home church: St. Joseph, where they remained lifelong members.
During grade school, George had a Door County Advocate paper route, ultimately retiring as plant manager for the Advocate. In addition to the Advocate, he followed in his father's footsteps, spending nearly a half-century as a volunteer fireman. George was the longest tenured firefighter for the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department. Humble and well-respected, he belonged to a number of community organizations. George always stood ready to lend a helping hand to co-workers, friends and neighbors, and of course, family.
He and Peg created a wonderful life together for their children: Monica, Stephen, Michael, and Ann, and family dogs, of which Fritzie was most memorable. George loved his role as a grandfather and was called "Papa" by his great-grandchildren. It was not uncommon for him to leave treats on the front steps of his grandchildren's homes. George and Peg accompanied Peg's sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Joe Frischmann, on many trips throughout the United States and Europe. A favorite hobby was photographing and tracking the many freighters entering and departing from the city. George also enjoyed the quiet of the woods during deer hunting season and fishing in the waters of Sturgeon Bay in his wooden boat.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Peg, with whom he was blessed to share almost 68 years of marriage; children, Monica (Jack) Hilbert, Stephen (Kay) Jensen, and Ann Jensen, all of Sturgeon Bay; son-in-law, Jim Parks (Michael's husband); grandchildren, Michelle (Nathan) Tellstrom and Hillary Jensen, Elizabeth (Derek) Ferrier, Georgia Hilbert, and Jacqueline (partner, David Rudolph) Hilbert, Marta (partner, Isaac Cooper) Schartner, Jacob (fiancée, Alexis Jandrin), and Adam (partner, Rheys Vandertie) Schartner; great-grandchildren, Jensen and Sadie Ferrier and Sahalie Hilbert; sister, Sharon (Biz) Virlee; siblings-in-law, Bev Malzahn, Diana Malzahn, and Joe Frischmann; many nieces and nephews; and friends.
George was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; granddaughter, Sarah Jensen; sister, Donna Marx; parents-in-law, Robert and Marion Malzahn, Sr.; siblings-in-law, Mary Frischmann, Bob Malzahn, Jim Malzahn, and Jack Marx; and other relatives.
His life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial prayed at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Matthew Rappl and Fr. Robert Stegmann concelebrating. Firefighter honors by the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department will follow at the church. George will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with pre-Mass liturgical rites following immediately after.
Memorials may be given in George's name for the Pioneer Fire Company, or consider performing a random act of kindness with George's memory in your heart.
"Our family would like to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to the staffs of Unity Hospice and Advocates In-Home Care for the compassionate care given to George, and the love and support by George and Peg's friends."
Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Jensen family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of George may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
