Born into Eternal Life on Thursday, October 8, 2020, at age 90. Phil is survived by his bride of 60 years, Shirley (nee Strehlow), son Kevin Jensen (Peggy), and grandchildren Chris and Sarah Jensen. Phil was preceded in death by his parents J. Chris and Anna Jensen, brother David Jensen, sister Anna-Margaret Boschma (Joseph), and niece Lois Coppersmith (nee Boschma). He is further survived by his many other nieces and nephews and other loving relatives as well as his friends and neighbors.
Phil grew up on a farm in Clinton, WI, and graduated from Clinton High School in 1948. Starting college in Iowa, Phil later transferred to and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1954. Following graduation, Phil served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Army Corps. of Engineers as a base engineering officer at the Port of Bremerhaven, West Germany.
Returning stateside to Milwaukee in 1956, Phil soon began a long career in the specialty printing industry, originally working for American Paper and Lace Company which later became Scott Worldwide Foodservice, a unit of Scott Paper Company. Phil retired from Scott in 1991 as the accounting and financial services manager.
In the late 1950s, Phil met the love his life, Shirley, at a young adult club in Wauwatosa, and the two were married on June 18, 1960. The two built a new home on the north side of Milwaukee in Brown Deer and welcomed their only son, Kevin, in 1966. Phil encouraged the musical interests of his son and also coached his son’s middle school target shooting team.
While life was busy with work and caring for his family, there was always time on Sunday to watch his favorite team, the Green Bay Packers.
Following his retirement, Phil enjoyed visiting and taking trips with friends and relatives. After the birth of his grandchildren in 2000, he took an active role in watching their many sport, theatre, and musical endeavors as well as continuing to enjoy his son’s many community musical groups and concerts. Phil was also an active participant at events with the Brown Deer Senior Citizens Club.
A private family service and interment will take place at Holy Cross. Due to the pandemic, a memorial service for Phil will be held at a later date.
