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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Jensen, Robert W.
Robert W. Jensen, 92, died Oct. 30, 2009, in his sleep, with his loving wife, Marilyn, at his side.
Bob “Hardrock” Jensen was born Oct. 21, 1917, in Cedar Rapids, the son of a railroad man, Bill Jensen, and mother, Maude (Boyd). Bob graduated from the old Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. He and Marilyn were married July 3, 1942, and shared a great life together for 67 years. They later on moved to Cottage Grove Place.
Bob served his country proudly during World War II aboard the “C.F. Hughes,” fighting in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Returning home, he was hired by the Collins Radio Co., where he was employed for over 45 years as a machinist. He was known for his perfection in working with metals and these talents later helped serve in building parts for the space program.
He was a Mason and a Shriner and held the lodges in high esteem. He had a passionate love of nature and it showed in every manner of his life. Extraordinary hobbies included raising and breeding parakeets, racing and showing pigeons, building free flight airplanes and even becoming a professional in trap shooting. He loved lapidary work, watching football and going to sprint car races. Generally anything that could be made, he would try and build it. Bob was also a past member of the CR Bass Club, Ducks Unlimited, and many other wonderful organizations.
He and Marilyn however were dedicated to their sons and their families, and that showed in every aspect of his life. He felt that time taken with his sons in the field made sense of his mission as a father. The family's request for those who knew him is to enjoy a warm moment in nature and smile at a life lived to the fullest.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Robert A. (Karen) and Gary (Theresa); grandchildren, Robert M. Jensen, Jennifer (Danny) Spiker, Joshua and Alex Jensen; great-grandson, Sage Spiker; special niece, Sara Soglin of Madison, Wis.; brother, Myron Jensen of California; and many other loving nieces and nephews.
Family services will be held in private, with military honors by VFW Post 788.
Special thanks goes to the loving staff at Cottage Grove Place, Essence of Life Hospice Care, and Cedar Memorial.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Essence of Life Hospice Care.
Please leave a message or tribute to the Jensen on the Web page, under obituaries.
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