Obituary of Arthur Louis Jensen

Arthur Louis Jensen, 87, died peacefully at Harding Nursing Home in Waterville, NY, on March 23, 2011. Born on October 24, 1923 in Waukesha, WI to Florence Edna Huntington and Peter Jensen, he spent most of his childhood in Rockford, IL. After a year at the University of Illinois, he fought in Europe during World War II as a member of the United States Army, receiving the Silver Star. Upon his return from the war, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he earned his bachelor's degree and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Art then continued at the University of Wisconsin, receiving a master's and Ph.D. in history. On June 19, 1954, he married Mary Louvia Roberts in Madison, WI. After a year teaching at Amherst College, Art began his career as a Professor of History at Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. He is the author of The Maritime Commerce of Colonial Philadelphia as well as of several scholarly articles and reviews. He retired from Westminster as Professor Emeritus in September 1989. Art is survived by two children: Elizabeth (Betsy) lives in Clinton, NY with her husband, Robert Turner, and Peter lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, Jan Fogel. Art also leaves four dearly-loved grandchildren: Ben Turner of Mahwah, NJ, Annie Turner of Brooklyn, NY, T. Sam Jensen of Williamstown, MA, and Lionel Jensen of Brooklyn, NY. Mary Lou predeceased Art, dying in September 1987. Art lived life with remarkable vigor and joy. He loved learning and teaching and engaging in collegial camaraderie. His specialties-and passions-in history were for colonial America and Tudor-Stewart England. He enjoyed classical music, educating himself in the subject and amassing a vast collection of LPs and CDs, as well as enjoying numerous live concert subscriptions. From mid-life, Art became an avid runner and walker. In retirement, he often hiked 12 miles daily, on the country roads he loved around New Wilmington, or in inclement weather endlessly looping the halls of Westminster's Science Building. The Jensen family, with children's spouses and grandchildren added in time, traveled to and hiked in the Rocky Mountains many summers. Well into his 70s, Art could out-hike any in his family. He also rooted for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Steelers and later, for his grandchildren's soccer and baseball teams. He was an avid and skilled word puzzle devotee and card player. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of New Wilmington, acting as treasurer for many years and singing in the choir. Art was known and loved for his gracious good humor and convivial enthusiasm . Memorial calling hours will be held Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 1-3pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. The family is planning a memorial service with details to be announced. Donations in his name may be made to the Westminster College Library or to the Nature Conservancy.