Jerry Jenson

Gerald Orvin Jenson, age 82, of Martell Township, Wisconsin, passed away with his family at his bedside on June 19, 2025.

Jerry, as he was known to friends and family, grew up a farm kiddo in the beautiful hills of Wisconsin. He was proud to be the son of Jasper and Edith Jenson and the younger brother of Delores Johnson. Jerry loved his upbringing and childhood, sharing that his parents prepared him well for life. He was one of the first in the Jenson family to attend college, and quickly found that he was eager to explore the world. He had the foresight to leverage his university degree as a launching point to enter the United States Marine Corps, serving as a highly decorated and impactful officer.

Jerry spent 27 years in the Marines, earning the rank of full Colonel before his honorable discharge. His career centered around Marine aviation, where he served as a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) and fighter pilot for the F-4 Phantom in the Vietnam War – spanning more than 267 combat missions and multiple air medals. He also flew the A-4 Skyhawk, H-53 Stallion, and was selected as one of the elite test pilots for the original AV-8A Harrier program. Jerry also helped develop the initial drone program for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and supported Operation Desert Storm as a strategy adviser for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Jerry was proud of his time in the Marines, persistently remarking that he worked and befriended “some of the world’s best people in some of the world’s toughest conditions”. After retiring from the Marines, Jerry served as a contractor and advisor to the U.S. Transportation Command, located near Scott AFB, Illinois.

In his personal life, Jerry felt a calling to volunteer and serve others. He loved donating time as a greeter for the church and serving as an officer for the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) in Sun City, AZ. He was a strong supporter of community philanthropy, regularly donating to prior churches and organizations around the country where his career had taken him. He believed he was lucky to survive Vietnam and held a strong desire to give back to others.

Most of all, Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his wife and family. His favorite moments, even in his final days, were chatting with his grandchildren and recounting humorous stories about his parenting mishaps and the silly moments that had occurred. He literally said, within hours of his unexpected passing, that he felt so blessed for the life he experienced.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sherrill, two children, Matt and Chris, and four grandchildren (Tim, Leah, Taylor, and Laurel). He always found time to make them all feel special and loved.

A memorial services will be on Sunday, June 22 at 3:30 PM at the White Pine Funeral Home Chapel, 753 S 100 E in Logan. Jerry's full obituary can be read at www.whitepinefunerals.com.

Click this link to view additional details about Jerry's Services: CLICK HERE TO VIEW JERRY'S REMEMBRANCE PAGE

The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEMORIAL SERVICE LIVE