CAPT Robert "Bob" Lewis Jensen

CAPT Robert “Bob” Lewis Jensen, USN (Ret) passed away April 14, 2023, in Winter Garden, Florida. He was 87 years old. A native of Big Springs, Nebraska, he graduated from Big Springs High School in 1953 and the University of Nebraska in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was commissioned in the US Navy and served honorably for 26 years. He earned a master’s degree from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA and was chosen to attend National War College in Washington, D.C. A highly decorated naval officer, Bob commanded the guided missile destroyer, USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7), during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Silver Star which is one of the highest military combat decorations that can be earned and is awarded for gallantry in action while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. He later served as Commanding Officer of Pearl Harbor Naval Station from 1980 – 1982. Always at home on the water, Bob enjoyed captaining different leisure sailing vessels in the Hawaiian waters and often sailed inter-island in the Hawaiian chain and later sailed the British Virgin Islands. After retiring from the Navy, his wife, Cherie and he traveled the country before settling in Ocoee, Florida. Bob never forgot his Nebraska roots and was always pleased and proud to return to his hometown. A lifelong Huskers fan, Bob was happiest sitting in Memorial Stadium. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Anthony “Jimmy” and Bertha Jensen of Ogallala, Nebraska; father, LaVern Jensen of Ogallala and mother, Bernice Hossle Rask of Boelus, Nebraska. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Cheryl Haight Jensen of Ocoee, Florida; daughter, Marcia “Jen” and son-in-law, Glenn Brandenburg of Middleburg, Florida and daughter, Susie and son-in-law, Mike Warriner of Escondido, California. Six grandchildren, Christopher and wife, Suzanne Jensen, Matthew Warriner, Jeffery Warriner, Kate Brandenburg, Jordan Brandenburg, Erin Brandenburg and one great-grandson, Madox Jensen. When asked about his family, Bob would often quote Garrison Keillor, the author of Lake Wobegon Days. “In my family, ‘The women are strong, the men are good looking, and the children are all above average.’” He will be greatly missed and forever loved.

CAPT Robert "Bob" Lewis Jensen

January 28, 1936 - April 14, 2023