Erling B. Jensen, 86, of Centuria, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Golden Age Manor in Amery, Wisconsin. Erling was born on Aug. 30, 1936, in Eureka Township, Polk County, Wisconsin, the son of Stanley and Hazel (Phelps) Jensen.
Erling attended grade school and high school in Centuria, Wisconsin. He met Betty Bowman in St. Paul, Minnesota, and they married on May 23, 1959. He was one of five men drafted into the Army on Aug. 1, 1959. Betty and Erling enjoyed many years on the home farm, and he worked at Andersen Windows for over 35 years. They spent 21 years as snowbirds in Florida and went on countless trips to Disney. Erling enjoyed going to flea markets with his brother, Eldon, looking for anything antique-car related. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Car Club of America for 44 years as well as many other car clubs. He enjoyed his Model A and Stanley Steamer cars and giving tours of his museum. Betty and Erling visited over 15 European countries and he also enjoyed several boat cruises.
Erling leaves to celebrate his memory, his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Jensen of Centuria, his children, Pam (Tom) Hughes of Anthem, Arizona, Kerry (Ginger) Jensen of Osceola, Wisconsin, and Rodney (Adela) Jensen of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kyle, Jon (Jasmine), Alexis, Jacob, Maddie, Tia and Khloe; his close cousin, Doug Jensen; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Hazel; brothers, Gerald (Dorrine) and Eldon; sister, Louise (Vernon) Anderson; and two sons, Todd and Marc Jensen.
Visitation will be held at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria on Friday, April 28, from 4-7 p.m. and then at First Baptist Church in Milltown on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Pastor Marlon Mielke will officiate.
Erling will be laid to rest at New Home Cemetery in the town of Eureka following the service, with military honors provided by Milltown VFW Post 6856. Please join the family following the cemetery service at the church for lunch and fellowship.
Casket bearers will be Scott Clark, Shawn Graves, Jacob Jensen, Brian Jensen, Damian Kostron and Donovan Kostron.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.
