Bennie Jensen

Bennie Otto Wilhelm Jensen, 90, of Washington, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2012, at the Scott & White Hospital in Brenham. Visitation was held Tuesday at Nobles Funeral Chapel from 5-7pm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday September 12, 2012 at Friedens Church of Washington U.C.C., FM 1155 at Bosse Rd., Washington, TX at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Glen Schoenberg officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.
He was born May 23, 1922 in Washington, Texas, the son of Henry and Malinda Bosse Jensen. Bennie was baptized July 23, 1922 at Friedens Church of Washington by Rev. Grotenfend. Sponsors were: Otto and Willie Lohmeyer, Willie Bosse and Willie Lauter. He was confirmed December 26, 1937 at Friedens Church of Washington by Rev. Schwengel. He wed Willie Mae Schramme on December 15, 1946 at St. John Lutheran Church at Prairie Hill by Rev. P. Goglin with Bible verse: Ruth 1:16. Witnesses: Willie Jensen, Willie Mae Herzog Reeves, Walter and Bernadine Meyer, Babe Riechers and Mildred Boring.
Bennie was proud of his time in the service of his country. He, along with his brothers, were drafted in WWII. His brother, Henry, gave the ultimate sacrifice in Italy. Bennie spoke so often of his time in the service, being drafted October 30, 1942 and serving as a TS Signal Operator and Radar Operator, in the 9th 1 WAW Platoon, Co. B 583rd Signal Group. He served in Bismarck Archipelago; Good Enough Island, New Guinea; the Southern Philippines and Luzon. He was decorated with: Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbons, Victory Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. His first invasion was January 1, 1943 in Sada, New Guinea. His discharge was December 16, 1945.
A life time resident of Washington, he resided on the Heritage Farm 1867 land. Bennie grew up on the farm and ranch until he was drafted. After returning from the war and marriage, he worked for the Washington County Road and Bridge Department. He then joined in the family business: dairy, grocery store, swine farm and restaurant. He spent many hours tending to his orchards and gardens, at times having six gardens at once. The Banner Press ran an article October 5, 1952: Rewards given to Bennie Jensen of Washington after producing outstanding corn crops and displaying them in the Jr. Chamber of Commerce Corn Growing Contest held at the Washington County Fair. The grand championship was given for growing 107 bushels of corn to the acre.
Bennie was a founding member of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department, member of Friedens Church of Washington U.C.C., serving on the church council and Washington County Farm Bureau director during the construction of the East Academy Street Building. Bennie was well know as an avid conversationalist and like his father - never met a stranger.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers: Ervin, Minnie, Melvin, Annie, Bill, Henry and Lawrence Jensen; brothers - in - law: Willie C. Holle, Elmer Kutzer and Ernst Nuernberger; sister - in - law: Ida Schramme Kutzer Nuernberger; daughter - in - law: Suzette S. Jensen; and son-in-law: Bobbie L. Oberhoff.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Willie Mae Schramme Jensen; sister, Olga J. Holle; children, Billy and Donna Jensen, Linda J. Oberhoff, Mark and Carol Jensen and Robert O. Jensen; Grandchildren, Jon Jensen, Larry Jensen, Thresia & Keith Schlabach, Jared and Brooke Jensen, Zachary And Leann Jensen and Todd Jensen; Great Grandchildren, Emily Jensen, Hailey English, Hunter and Mitchell Schlabach, Paige Jensen, Madison Jensen and Brody Jensen.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Memorial may be given to Friedens Church of Washington U.C.C., P.O. Box 306, Washington, TX 77880 or the Washington Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 50, Washington, TX 77880.