Jensen, William L. 'Bill' Jr.

William L. “Bill” Jensen Jr., 79, passed away at Jones Regional Medical Center Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, following a long illness. Visitation will be one hour before the 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, service at St. Patrick Catholic Church. A mass of the Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church with the Rev. Cahill as celebrant. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, Jolene; and four children, Vickie Bunting, Curtiss (Julie) Jensen, John (Robin) Jensen and Joseph Jensen.

Survivors also include nine grandchildren, Dawn Miller Ovel, Daniel Miller, Ryan and Christopher Bunting, Matthew Jensen and Jill Jensen Carlisle, Jacquline and Alyssa Jensen and Jordin Jensen; stepgrandchildren, Caleb Bickel and Caitlin Bickel; great-grandchildren, Emma, Olivia and Claire Ovel and Aiden and Lily Carlisle; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul and Connie Nieland, Cyril Nieland, Della Nieland, Ken and Charlotte Carter and Mary Jensen Klohs Hughes.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Valerie Jensen Miller; his parents, William and Hilda Jensen; two brothers; two sisters; and son-in-law, Marlin Bunting.

William Laurence Jensen Jr. was born Jan. 21, 1934, in Carroll, Iowa, the son of William Peter Jensen and Hilda Pietig Jensen. He received his education in Carroll, Iowa. One Feb. 10, 1954, he was united in marriage to Jolene Nieland at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Breda, Iowa. Bill and Jolene moved to Anamosa in 1956. Bill was employed by Iowa Manufacturing for two years, followed by 39 years at the Iowa State Reformatory. Bill was also a professional photographer for 30 years and truly loved taking photos, especially using family as test subjects.

Bill and Jolene wintered in Mesa, Ariz., for many years, enjoying every minute away from Iowa's snow, cold and biting wind. Bill had a 125 Suzuki motorcycle and loved using it for errands, or a leisurely ride through the park. More than anything, Bill loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 30, 2013.