CENTRALIA — Dr. Roger A. Jensen, 87, of Centralia, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Breese.
He was born March 15, 1936 in Patoka, the son of Hugh Jensen and Lucille (Walker) Jensen. He married Louise Simmons on June 9, 1957 in Enfield, Illinois and she survives.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, Louise Jensen of Breese, he is also survived by his four children: Julia Langenfeld and husband Forrest of Centralia, Pamela Kreke of Breese, J.R. Jensen and wife Bobbie of Fredericktown, Missouri and Jeffrey Jensen and wife Mary Jo of Fredericktown, Missouri; 12 grandchildren: Kathy Langenfeld of St. Louis, Andrew Langenfeld of Orlando, Florida, Emily Gnaedinger and husband Craig of Pocahontas, Laura Rapini and husband Vincent of St. Peters, Missouri, Matthew Kreke and wife Cassie of Breese, Sarah Niemeyer and husband Brian of Highland, Jamie Jones and husband Gary of Fredericktown, Missouri, Amber Cresswell and husband Wintson of Farmington, Missouri, Taylor Pyles and husband Drew of Milford, Michigan, Courtney Sikes and husband Joaby of Fredericktown, Missouri, Reed Jensen and wife Marissa of Arnold, Missouri and Ellie Stonecipher and husband Zach of Ozark, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; two sisters-in-law; and several loving nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents: Hugh and Lucille Jensen, brother: Warren Jensen, son-in-law: David Kreke, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Roger graduated from Carlyle High School and he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from McKendree University. He then attended and graduated from the University of Illinois with his Master’s Degree and finished up his schooling with his Doctorate from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Roger was the Superintendent for the Centralia City Schools from 1972 until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Centralia. Roger was a very active member of the Centralia Rotary Club. While serving as a Rotarian, he was proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow.
Roger had a passion for playing golf. He also enjoyed making wood carvings of ducks. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan. After his retirement, he and Louise traveled all of the United States making so many memories.
Roger’s family was very important to him and the time he spent with them will forever remain a treasure.
Funeral Services for Dr. Roger Jensen will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Sidney Davis, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Centralia and/or McKendree University Alumni Association and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Jensen family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.