Richard W. Jensen

HAMLET-Richard W. Jensen, 83, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in his home surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born December, 17, 1933 in Walkerton, IN to Carl and Ruth (Soice) Jensen and lived in the area all of his life. On September 3, 1955 in Hamlet, IN, he was married to the former Patricia Vieting, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Wayne (Cathy) Jensen of Kimmell, IN and Ken Jensen of Hamlet; three granddaughters, Angie (Ron) Gibson of Ligonier, Vickie (Mike) Goodwin of Hobbieville, IN and Alivia Jensen of Muncie; five brothers, Paul Jensen and Fred Jensen, both of Hamlet, Pete Jensen of LaPorte, Earl Jensen of Lakeville and Alan Jensen of Plymouth; and two sisters, Rita Palm of Knox and Janis Smith of Plano, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and three sisters. Richard was a former employee of Rockwell Windows in Knox. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany and a member of the Hamlet American Legion Post #356. He was also a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hamlet and the Starke County Historical Society. He was a former member of the Starke County Conservation Club and the Fletcher Cemetery Association, serving as president and had been active in the Oregon-Davis High School Building Trades. Richard was the curator of his own military museum, which was open to the public and had many visitors, including annual visits from the Oregon-Davis High School History classes. He was a master craftsman in the field of woodworking. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and was well known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He touched many lives and was beloved by all who knew him. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. CST at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hamlet, with Dr. Joseph Loftis officiating. Burial with a military graveside service will follow at Fletcher Cemetery. Friends may visit Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST at Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel and Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Matthew Church, the Starke County Historical Society or the Hamlet American Legion Post #356.

Richard W. Jensen

December 17, 1933 - November 14, 2017