William Jens

William T. "Bill" Jens, of the Town of Lima, completed his life of service peacefully early in the morning of September 16, 2015, at the age of 91, surrounded by his wife, Pauline and his seven children. Bill was born on June 25, 1924, in Milwaukee, the fifth child of the late William L. Jens and Kathryn (nee Dillon) Jens. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1942 after serving as President of his class all four years. Bill received a football Scholarship from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI and enrolled there in the fall of 1942. With World War II raging, Bill dropped out of college and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard a frigate and later on an Army transport ship before he was honorably discharged in April 1946. Bill studied at the University of Wisconsin School Of Agriculture and began farming just west of Butler, Wisconsin in the spring of 1948. Bill was introduced to Pauline Taylor in 1949 and they married in September of 1950. Bill and Pauline farmed together there for twelve years until the encroaching suburbs compelled them to seek another location to continue farming. In the fall of 1961 Bill and Pauline and their first 5 kids moved to Sheboygan County, continuing to farm in the Town of Lima and adding two more children to the family. Bill enjoyed farming, local politics, the Green Bay Packers, reading and sports. Bill believed that the most important things in life are serving God, family and the community and his daily life was a reflection of that belief. In addition to farming full time and raising 7 children with Pauline, Bill lived a life of service to other people. Bill served on the Town of Lima Board for over 30 years and was elected Chairman for most of that time. He served on the Sheboygan County Board for many years and was Chairman for 4 years. He served on the board of the American Milk Producers Incorporated Co-op and was active in the Sheboygan County Holstein Association and served as secretary on that board. Bill a member of Blessed Trinity Parish in Sheboygan Falls. He was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and along with Pauline served in many different capacities at the parish level. In an effort to serve the Lord and the church more fully, Bill was accepted and enrolled in the Permanent Diaconate Program for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 1975. He served as deacon and in whatever capacity he was asked at St. Rose of Lima Parish at Five Corners, her sister parish, St George at Six Corners, and St. Cyril Methodius Parish in Sheboygan. He participated in services and activities at other parishes as well. When the local parishes were combined he continued his service at Blessed Trinity Parish in Sheboygan Falls. Bill served as a hospital chaplain, and led graveside services, distributed Holy Communion, visited the sick, officiated baptisms, marriage preparation, and marriage ceremonies. He officiated at many of his own children's marriages and baptized most of his grandchildren. In addition, Bill gave many thoughtful homilies during Mass with a humility and simple delivery style that reflected his deep faith and spirituality. Bill treated other people with respect and acted as a gentleman. Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pauline. He is further survived by his sons and daughters and their spouses, Tom (Beth) Jens and Jerry (Julie) Jens both of Sheboygan Falls, Rob (Beth) Jens of Beaver Dam, Mary (Tony) Jens-Mauer of Waldo, Tess (Joseph) O'Hern of California, Joseph (Melissa) Jens of Farmington, Kathy (Tim) Huibregtse, 21 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Zach Mauer, one brother, William "Sheldon" (Gladys) Jens, and three sisters, Lenore (Art) Presti, Marion (Gene) Galdabini, and Lucille (Hamilton) Mathes. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Blessed Trinity Parish in Sheboygan Falls with Rev. Richard Cerpich, Rev. Bob Lotz, and Deacon Rich Gulig officiating. Burial will take place at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in the Town of Lima. Relatives and friends may greet the family at the church on Friday, September 18, 2015, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm and also on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. Rosary and parish vigil will be held Friday at 2:30 pm. A memorial fund has been established in Bill's name for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Bill's family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting Bill's family with arrangements.Reception:Blessed Trinity Parish327 Giddings AvenueSheboygan Falls, WI 53085

Visitation

Friday, September 18, 2015 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Blessed Trinity Parish
327 Giddings Avenue Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States

Visitation

Saturday, September 19, 2015 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Blessed Trinity Parish
327 Giddings Avenue Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States

Service

Saturday, September 19, 2015 11:00 AM
Blessed Trinity Parish
327 Giddings Avenue Sheboygan Falls 53085, United States