Joseph W. Jensen

Jensen, Joseph W. Age 84, was surrounded by family as he passed away in his home on October 2, 2012 from AML Leukemia. He was preceded in death by son, Jack, and sister, Shirley Fiedler. Survived by his wife, Patricia, and children, Meri Crouley (Rick), Therese Blanchard, Joseph, Mark, Jane Bohman (Terry) and Karen Abbott (Jay); 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and sister, JoAnn Olson. Joe was born in St. Paul MN, to Roy and Florence Jensen. Joe's father died when he was just two, and his loving and wonderful personality was a direct reflection of the women who raised him: his mother, and two older sisters, JoAnn and Shirley. Joe attended Central High school in St. Paul and transferred to St. Thomas Academy after his sophomore year. He earned five Letters in less than two years and was a star player in football, hockey, and baseball. Joe participated in the Twin Cities Metro All-Star baseball and football games and was voted "best all-around athlete" by his class of 1947. He went on to attend college at the University of St. Thomas where he lettered in baseball, football, and hockey. Joe loved baseball! After his standout career in high school and college, he signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. His sports career was cut short when he was drafted into the Army, but Joe continued to play in the service and played on teams to entertain the troops. After his discharge, Joe played on several baseball "town" teams and won the Wisconsin state title in 1954. He took a break from baseball to build his business career and raise his family. Joe enjoyed a long and successful career in the corrugated box industry and co-founded Northwest Packaging. Never able to stay away from baseball for long, Joe returned to the diamond at age 52 and played in the Minnesota Over-35 League, where at age 60, he pitched and won the state title in 1987 and 1988. Joe retired from Northwest Packaging at age 70 and then went on to win the Senior Men's Roy Hobbs Over-50 National Championship, where he was named the tournament MVP. After amassing an amazing pitching record of 273-58 with an ERA of 2.45, Joe finally retired from baseball at the age of 82. He has been featured in newspapers and local TV for his many athletic accomplishments, and was recently inducted into the St. Thomas Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Joe was a devout Christian and his deep faith guided him in life. He had a witty sense of humor and boyish charm that endeared him to all who met him. Joe was incredibly kind- hearted and happy, and a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed by countless people. Visitation Monday 4-8 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Washburn- McReavy Bloomington Chapel, 2300 W Old Shakopee Rd.. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, 11 AM with visitation one hour before at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 901 E. 90th St., Bloomington. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Thomas Academy. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Werness Brothers 952-884-8145

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Joseph W. Jensen

October 2, 2012

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