Charles Jensen

Charles L. Jensen was one of those unique people that make life more interesting just by being alive. He was an intelligent, witty and compassionate man, who lived a life full of adventures, hard work and love for his family. Charlie had a natural social talent that always left people charmed and smiling, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout his life. Although the country was in the midst of the Great Depression in the 1930s, life went on. The average annual salary was $1,368, and Ford Motor Company was well on its way to making automobiles accessible to the common man. For Aage Jensen, a Merchant Marine, and his wife, Thelma (Carlson), life in Ludington, Michigan was certainly going on. Expecting their second child in the beginning of that year, they delighted in welcoming the birth of their son, Charles Lars Jensen, on January 9, 1934. Charlie, as he was called, led a typical childhood of the time, growing up in the Ludington and Pentwater areas with his two brothers, Aage Jr. and Maynard, and two sisters, Joanne and Elizabeth. When Charlie was a teenager, his family moved to a home on Ruddiman Terrace in Muskegon, and he took his place among the student body at Muskegon High School. Here, he really shone as an athlete, excelling at track, tennis, basketball, and baseball. In fact, one of Charlies classmates and friend was Earl Morrall, a future NFL Star Quarterback. In the mid 1950s, Charlies life took a new direction when he met and married Pat Bramer. They became the proud parents of three wonderful children: Michael (1956), Debbie (1957) and Christopher (1959), and raised them together in Fruitport Township. Charlie provided well for his family working as a Manufacturing Engineer and Designer at Kaydon and Johnson Products. Eventually, the family moved to Norton Shores, where the boys, like their father, were active in school sports Charlie rarely missed one of their games. When it came to getting away, the Jensens enjoyed vacationing on Mackinaw Island, going camping and attending annual family reunions, for both sides. In the early 1970s, Charlie took his specialized skills and became an Independent Contractor. After being certified, he was able to bid on government contracts and over the years worked for various companies in the area, helping them to get government work. Unfortunately, during this time, Charlies marriage to Pat ended in divorce after about 20 years together. Charlie was very well liked due to his easygoing and witty nature. He had a group of buddies that he spent many great times with this included Bill Windatt, Paul Adkins, Don Hegedus and Joe Rhodes. He and his buddies would get together at various restaurants around the area, including his sisters place called Cherokee Restaurant, and they would solve all the problems of the world. When it came to politics, Charlie was a staunch and strongly opinionated Republican. He and his granddaughter, Erica, would often have deep conversations about life on Sunday mornings, which she immensely enjoyed. Charlie was also strong in his faith, and was a member of St. Lukes and St. Marks Lutheran Churches through the years. Quite a gentleman, Charlie was handsome and always well dressed, which caught many a ladys eye. Really, whenever Charlie was at the Vikings Lodge, where he was a member, he was often surrounded by what his friends referred to as Charlies Harem. He dated several women over the years, but eventually fostered a very special relationship with a lovely lady named Eilene Nelson. When it came to Charlies quieter moments, he enjoyed eating ice cream or watermelon while watching a movie or reading a book, particularly anything science fiction. Always active, Charlie was an avid golfer and played on a league at Fruitport Golf Course. He was also a die-hard hockey fan and had season tickets to all games for the Muskegon Mohawks, Lumberjacks and Fury. True to his alma mater, Charlie supported the Muskegon High School Big Red football too. When his grandchildren became involved in sports, Charlie was their #1 fan at every game he could make. Over the years, Charlie suffered with heart problems and had several surgeries to put stints in. Yet, he never let this slow him down or stop him from doing the things he enjoyed he played 18 holes of golf just last week. Aside from being a member of the Viking Lodge, Charlie was a former trustee and on the Community Foundation Committee and a member of White Lake Golf Club. Tragically, while Charlie was at the Vikings with his friend, Eilene, on Saturday, August 27th, his heart failed, and despite the great efforts of the paramedics, he passed away. Charlie was a loving father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed. Charles L. Jensen, age 77, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 28, 2011. He is survived by his sons, Michael (Brenda) Jensen, Christopher (Laurie) Jensen, both of Muskegon; daughter, Debbie Jensen of Muskegon; grandchildren, Erica, Andrew "AJ", Trevor, Haylie, Ryan; brother, Aage (Joyce) Jensen Jr. of Williamston; sisters, JoAnn (Ted) Bowman & Elizabeth Cuti, both of Muskegon; special friend, Eilene Nelson; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Maynard. Services will be held on Sunday, September 11, at 1:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions may be made to Linne Lodge #57 Viking Scholarship Fund or the Michigan Burn Camp. Please visit Charles personal webpage at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory and sign his online guest book.