Reuben Duane Jenson
December 29, 1937 – March 26, 2024
Reuben Duane Jenson, 86, of Waupaca, Wisconsin passed away peacefully with his family at his side on March 26, 2024.
He was born on Dec. 29, 1937, in the Town of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Bertha (Helgeson) Jenson. He graduated from Scandinavia Union Free High School in 1955.
He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He was in the aircraft division on Whidby Island until the time of Honorable Discharge.
Reuben married Jane (Erickson) Jenson on Jan. 16, 1960. They started their family of four (Kim, Craig, Jill, and Jeff).
He worked for Uptown Electric, where he became a journeyman’s electrician. In 1979 he became part owner of Elmstar Electric and continued in the trade for over 40 years. In 1972 Reuben and Jane, along with Vern and Jean Oehlke became owners of Country Inn Bar and Grill while continuing his electrical career.
Reuben enjoyed hunting for 72 years, boating, camping, snowmobiling, gardening, and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. He loved to socialize with family and friends. His many favorite pastimes were taking care of his lawn and tinkering in his shed. He had great ingenuity skills and could create just about anything you needed. He and Jane enjoyed traveling together with their favorites being Hawaii and Alaska.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Kim (Randy) Navin, Craig (Marsha) Jenson, Jill (Tim) Navin, and Jeff (Ann) Jenson; 12 grandchildren, Aaron (Jessie) Jenson, Zach (Megan) Navin, Allie Navin, Tyler Jenson, Brad (Rochelle) Navin, Carli Navin, Nate (Tessa) Jenson, Brock Navin, Tessa (Ben) Navin, Max Jenson, Abby Jenson, and Katie Jenson; five great-grandchildren, Brooks and Payton Jenson, Riley Jenson, Jameson Navin, and Louisa Navin; brother, Herb “Herbie” Jenson; brothers-in-law, Dennis Erickson and Terry (Jane) Erickson; and sister-in-law, Diane Jacobson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Bertha Jenson, Donna and Jim Swenson, Lois and Lee Thompson, Jean and Vern Oehlke, brother-in-law Marlyn Jacobson, and sisters -in-law Joyce Jenson and Shirley Erickson.
Reuben was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend!
The Funeral Service for Reuben will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at the Scandinavia Lutheran Church with the Revs. Kent Wallace and Mark Sabin officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, April 1 from 4-7 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 2, from 9:30 a.m. till the time of service. Interment with full Military Honors will be held at the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Reuben can be made to Scandinavia Viking Baseball Club or Scandinavia Lutheran Church.