Rigner A. Jensen

Resilient, stubborn and extremely hard working would best describe the likes of Rigner Jensen. However, he had a way of balancing these traits with his loving and generous nature. Above all, Rigner was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and a dearly loved grandfather and great-grandfather. To all who will miss him, Rigner leaves fond memories and life lessons which will be forever cherished. The year 1920 was a time of great change in the U.S. with much taking place in the way of technology, advancements, discoveries, and inventions. Women won the right to vote, and prohibition took effect, making way for bootleggers and gangland mobs alike. It was known as the Roaring Twenties, and a sense of gaiety filled the air. Cause for celebration in the lives of Lars and M. Johanne (Jorgensen) Jensen, a Danish couple who made their home on the banks of Lake Michigan in Ludington, Michigan, was the October 13, 1920 birth of their beloved infant son, Rigner Arne Jensen. The youngest of six children, Rigner was born in the family farmhouse on Sugar Grove Road in Victory Township where he grew up with his older siblings, Hans, Aage, Viggo, Ivan, and Astrid. His father was a hard working farmer, and his mother was a homemaker and dedicated farmer's wife. As a youngster, Rigner enjoyed a typical childhood for the times living in rural Victory Township where he shared many adventures with his siblings and friends. Most of his time was helping on the farm. He and his brothers enjoyed playing cards, especially after a long days work. Times were especially difficult during the years of the Great Depression, but as a family they pulled through, taking each day as it came. Rigner enjoyed special family traditions, like celebrating "Lille Juleaften" which was Danish for Little Christmas Eve. As young children, he and his siblings played cards for penny chocolate bars. At the end of the game, his sister, Astrid always ended up without any candy. Between Rigner and his brothers giving her some of theirs, she always seemed to end up with the most. Having attended Star School through the eighth grade, Rigner made special friendships with his classmates and enjoyed the company of his brothers, as well. He was the only child in his family to attend high school, but after two weeks, Rigner disliked it so much he returned home to farm with his family fulltime. When the time came for Rigner to set out on his own, he borrowed a pair of shoes from his brother, Viggo. With a pair of borrowed shoes on his feet and a single silver dollar in his pocket, he took off to Muskegon to find fame and fortune. This venture would prove to be an investment that, in time, would pay off. In his younger years, Rigner enjoyed several trips out west to California with his brother, Viggo. One of these times, their mother even traveled with them. Life for Rigner was not all hard work. While out on New Year's Eve, he stopped at a local bar in Ludington to celebrate and met a pretty young woman named Vera Christoffersen. They danced the night away and in time fell completely in love. On April 15, 1951, Rigner and Vera were happily married at the Lutheran Church Parsonage in Ludington. They then made their home in North Muskegon. Together they made a happy home with their daughter, Joyce. Rigner was a devoted parent to Joyce and helped her get her first car when she was old enough to drive. He taught by example the importance of hard work, and passed down this invaluable trait to his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a family they played cards together quite often, and went on trips to visit extended family, mainly in Ludington and also to South Dakota. One of Rigner's happiest times was celebrating the holidays with his family by his side. Rigner was a successful businessman. Over time, he turned that half dollar piece into a thriving company of his own, the Jensen Tool and Die Company in North Muskegon. It called for a lot of hard work and long hours, but Rigner was up to the challenge. Faith played a large role in his life, too. For years he was a faithful and dedicated member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church near their home in North Muskegon. He kept busy involved within the community as a member of the Muskegon Elks #274, and he was a third degree Mason. Rigner was also an avid bowler. He made many friends on his bowling league and some of his favorite times included going out for coffee or breakfast with his buddies, especially after he retired. Over the years, Rigner and Vera loved traveling together. He finally retired while in his 80s, at which time he and Vera spent several winters in Florida. Although his dog, Shep was Rigner's best companion growing up, later in his life he became exceptionally enamored with his beloved Sheltie, Lassie. As grandparents, they spent memorable times with their grandchildren driving to the Block House, feeding the ducks, and stopping for an ice cold Slushie. They loved going to Bear Lake and going down the hill, "just one more time", and hunting at their grandparent's home for chocolate Easter eggs every year. They went on trips to South Dakota, and even though the speed limit was 75, Rigner refused to go faster than 53 because no one would "be able to see a darn thing!" if they sped by everything so fast! Rigner and Vera traveled to Chicago often to visit their daughter, Joyce and their children. Even though they lived hours away, nothing kept them from attending their grandchildren's school functions. Even after Vera passed away, Rigner continued to make trips to Chicago to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially when they were involved in little league and soccer. In later years, Rigner and his entire family made an annual pilgrimage to St. Ignace and Mackinac Island where they enjoyed riding the carriages, eating fudge, and simply bonding as family. Rigner Jensen was no doubt a stubborn Dane through and through, but most importantly, he was a loving and devoted man to the family he loved and adored. Always there for a friend in need, he was generous with his time, and dedicated to the task at hand. He will be deeply missed, and fondly remembered. Mr. Rigner A. Jensen, age 92, died Saturday, April 13, 2013. SURVIVORS: Granddaughter, Julie (Richard) Rowland of Illinois; grandson, Scott (Malisa) Vanderwest of Illinois; great-grandchildren, Eric, Kaitlyn, Lora May and Annia; great-great granddaughter, Irene; sister-in-law, Aletha; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera in 1999; daughter, Joyce Vanderwest in 2001; four brothers, Hans, Aage, Ivan and Viggo; and his sister, Astrid. SERVICE: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Interment at South Victory Cemetery, Ludington, Michigan. VISITATION: Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Rigner and to sign his online guest book. Clock Life Story-Muskegon.