William "Bill" L. Jensen

William "Bill" L. Jensen of Balsam Lake and formerly of Centuria, Wisconsin passed away on July 23, 2012 at his home with his loving family at his side.  Bill was born July 1, 1930 at home on the family farm in Eureka, the son of William and Esther (Hacken) Jensen.

Bill attended the Hillside Grade School of St. Croix Falls.  Then he hauled milk for the Eureka Creamery and would eventually purchase his own dump truck to haul gravel.  On October 25, 1952 he married Linnea Johnson at Almelund, Minnesota and to this union one child was born.  In 1960 he purchased his first semi-truck for long haul trucking from West to East coast.  Bill owned his trucking business in Centuria and later partnered with Harvey Emerson's business-he was a hard worker and repaired and serviced many of his own trucks. He sold the shop and retired in 2001.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, his hobbies had been golfing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, waterskiing, camping, bowling, learning to fly a plane, bird watching but he especially enjoyed fishing - walleye was his all time favorite.

Bill raised not only his daughter, but helped with his grandchildren Lacey - his little princess and Tim - his best buddy.  Lacey and Tim were the joy of his life and he enjoyed every moment he spent with them and looked forward to seeing and talking with them.

Bill leaves to celebrate his memory: wife, Linnea “Lindy” Jensen, Balsam Lake; daughter, Sue (Dean) Reed, Balsam Lake; grandchildren, Lacey (Corey) Fisk, Centuria; Timothy Reed, Balsam Lake; brothers, Donelly (Marlette) Jensen, Forest Lake, MN; Merlin (Joan) Jensen, St Croix Falls, WI; Jerel (Joyce) Jensen, Osceola, WI; brother-in-law, Jerry (Lee) Kashmark, Monticello, MN; sister-in-law, Della Soderbeck, St Paul, MN, many nieces, nephews, godchildren, Terri (Huber) Fulco who was like a daughter and other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and William Jensen and his sister, Joy Kashmark.

Bill endured various struggles with his health and fought many courageous battles. He will be deeply missed and is loved by many.  Special thanks and appreciation from his family to the Adoray Hospice staff for their care, kindness and support during his final months - they fulfilled his final wish to remain comfortable at home.

Visitation to be held at Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria, Wisconsin on Friday, July 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and at Faith Lutheran Church Saturday, July 28th 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral Service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin Saturday, July 28th at 11:00 am with Pastor Diane Norstad officiating. Bill will be laid to rest at the Balsam Lake Cemetery following the service.  Soloist Thera Burtt accompanied by Dorene Hendrickson.

Pallbearers: Marsha Carlson, Karen Jensen, Jason Jensen, Jarod Jensen, Merlin David Jensen Jr., Jay Carney, Clifford Roettger, Ron Roettger.  Honorary Pallbearers:  Doris Rydberg, Harvey Emerson, Bob Sloper, Richard Jacobsen, Jerry Kashmark, Charlie Hoehne, Gene Reed, Bob Barck, Rod McGee, Bob Kaiser

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.