Tears fell on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, as Martin “Marty” Edward Jensen, of Barronett, WI, passed one day shy of his 63rd birthday, at Abott Northwestern in Minneapolis, MN. Despite holding on for 18 days, his heart of gold was too damaged and further interventions were not successful.

Marty was born in Garden City, Michigan, to his parents Raymond Robert Jensen and Edith Mae Parrott on November 3, 1959. Marty was the youngest son of six children. His mother passed away on December 2, 1960. Marty and his siblings moved to California for two years, back to Michigan, and in July 1969 went to live with their grandmother Eva Jensen and Grandpa George in Timberland (Barronett), WI. In August 1971, Marty and two of his siblings came to live with Harold K. and Deloris M. Anderson of Cumberland, WI. This loving home was a haven for the Jensen children. These generous foster parents extended their love and compassion beyond the age of adulthood, having been immortalized as Ma and Pa, Grandma and Grandpa, and Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa. Marty was a devoted son and even more so after Harold’s death in 2013. If you called on Deloris, Marty was either there, had just been there, or was on his way to see Ma.

He graduated from Cumberland High School in 1978 and earned an Associate’s Degree in telecommunications from WITC (Northwood Technical College) in 1979, then a degree in autobody restoration, and years later earned a degree for welding. Marty was a Wisconsin Golden Gloves Boxing Champion around 1980-1981 and was also a local arm-wrestling competition champion.

Marty was married to Roxann A. Lloyd July 1983 until 2004. During this time, they raised three beautiful children who deeply loved and appreciated their father. He never hesitated to help family or friends no matter the project or need. Marty was an unsung hero; anytime others would boast about him for his good works, he would quickly retreat to the background. He would not have anyone make a fuss over him under any circumstance. Even capturing a photo of him wearing his infectious smile was a challenge. This world lost and heaven gained a grand and most humble soul.

In addition to being devoted to family, a generous provider, and an expert welder, Marty was well-known for his remarkable work ethic, his astute mechanical skills, and his love for fishing. His tranquil spirit, kind eyes, generous heart, sincere smile, and pleasure in kidding-around will be forever missed. Marty was fiercely loved by his entire family. The lack of his presence in the everyday, at family gatherings, and days at the lake will be deeply felt. They will ever be filled with precious memories and entertaining stories of his youth where a curious boy full of ingenuity could only find himself and somehow survive “mostly” unscathed.

Marty is survived by his partner, Shannon Anderson, daughter, Alicia Jensen of Barronett, WI; two sons, Jonathan (Michelle) Westrum of Colorado and Matthew (Karla) Jensen of Ladysmith, WI; five grandchildren - Ivy, Hailey, Austin, Nathan and Noah; his mother Deloris M. Anderson; two brothers – Mike (Jan) Jensen and Ron (Juliann) Jensen; two sisters – Sandra Maxwell and Cheryl (Joe) Pharo; five nieces and two nephews, and four grandnieces and twelve grandnephews; as well as Shannon’s two children, Tanner and Tori Whitman, and Papa Marty’s bonus grandson, Kendrick.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edith and Ray, his father Harold K. Anderson, his eldest brother Raymond “Bob” Jensen, his children’s mother, and his niece Tina Merzwski.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland, with visitation to be held one hour prior to the service at 2:00 p.m.; Pastor Paul Green of Hope Community Church will be officiating. A lunch will be served following the service.

Last Update: Nov 07, 2022 11:30 am CST