Donald Lee Jensen, 63, of Oswego, IL and formerly of the Sparta area passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2008, at the Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL. He was born on November 1, 1944 in Sparta, the son of Kermit Wayne and Eloise (Bodette) Jensen.

     Mr. Jensen was a member of the St. Anne Catholic Church in Oswego, IL. He was employed for 30 years by Caterpillar, Inc., in Montgomery, IL, as a Training Instructor, until his retirement in 1994. Don then continued to work part-time assignments for Caterpillar, (his favorite assignment was in China), the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Maintenance Way Welding.

     Don loved spending time with his two precious grandchildren. He and his wife, Valetta spent many happy hours working in their yard at the home they have shared their entire married life. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Don was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. He also experienced travel across the US, and to Canada, Europe, and Ireland. Traveling to Wisconsin for annual family camping events and cousin’s golf weekends provided many with great memories. At home, Mr. Jensen enjoyed doing cross-word, number puzzle challenges, and woodworking. Mr. Jensen was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

     Don made many special friendships at Caterpillar, St. Anne Catholic Church and especially in the Lynwood Subdivision neighborhood where his family has lived for 39 years. Particularly close friends include the Ray and Sophie Torres and the Bob and Patti Cline families.

     He is survived by his wife, Valetta Jensen of Oswego, IL; his children, Robin Renee (David) Olson of Janesville, WI, and Douglas Lee (Cecilia) Jensen of Plainfield, IL; his grandchildren, Jacob Donald and Jackson Lee Jensen of Plainfield, IL; his brother, Gerald (Linda) Jensen of La Crosse, his sister, Sue Ann (James) Tracy of Onalaska, WI; his great-uncle, Clifford Chambers of Mount Ida, AR; several nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Pat Bloor, Maxine (Donald) Ratajczyk, Ronald (Odette) Bloor, Patty Stanek, Bill (Nancy) Bloor, Sherry (Larry) Clark, Steve (Wanda) Bloor, and Myra (Chris) Anderson; and his many cousins.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Eloise Jensen; and his brothers-in-law, Bernard Stanek, Tom Bloor, and Mike Bloor.

     Don was challenged with numerous serious health issues but remained optimistic, always maintaining a positive attitude for family and friends with his ready smile. His deep faith carried him at all times. Superior health care was provided by Dreyer Medical Clinic physicians and nurses during the past 32 years, and Provena Mercy and Rush-Copley Hospitals.

     Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at St. Anne Catholic Church, Oswego, IL.

     Memorial services will be  1 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Mount Tabor, WI.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements