Dean Elwood Jensen

Dean Elwood Jensen passed away Sunday, February 19, 2012 at age 82. Dean was born in Moline, IL on November 6, 1929, the son of Jens and Emma (Buettner) Jensen. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Gappa of Madison in March, 1962. She preceded him in death in 1989.

Dean was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison for 38 years until his retirement in 1995. He served as secretary for ASME Chapter at the UW and was a member of the City of Madison Heating Board of Examiners. He was also a member of the American Tree Farms System and the Walnut Growers Association. During his spare time, he enjoyed tending to the family tree farm in Gays Mills, woodworking and sailing. After his retirement he spent much of his time traveling solo and with friends. During his travels, he especially enjoyed visiting tree farms and nurseries.

Dean is survived by his two sons, Peter and Andrew (Mara); sister-in-law, Jean; nephew, David (Jennifer) and their children, Jamie and Haley; and cousin Ellie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; parents; brother, Ken.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 4 until 6 pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2900 Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10:00 am. Family will greet friends one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Moline Memorial Park, Moline, IL. Hodgson Funeral Home, Rock Island, is handling Quad Cities area arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund #12586692, University of Wisconsin Foundation, US Bank Lockbox, PO Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807.