JT (Pete) Jensen, 89, was called to join his beloved wife, Margaret Ann, in heaven on August 22, 2025. Marge had passed suddenly in April. After 65 years of marriage, their family is comforted knowing their separation was brief and they are reunited forever. He is survived by his children Michael (Sally) Jensen, Susan (James) Kaptur, Karen (John) Totos, and Steven Jensen; grandchildren Brad (Danielle) Kaptur, Morgan Kaptur, and Noah Jensen; great-grandchild Nathaniel Kaptur; and dog grandbabies Bear, Barney, Bogey, and Lucky.

Pete, the youngest of eight, was born on February 28, 1936, in Kansas City to Holger A. and Mary Jensen. He overcame great adversity to become the first in his family to attend college, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s at the University of Missouri while playing football as a defensive lineman. While at Mizzou, he met Marge, who was studying at Stephen’s College. After graduation, they moved to Calumet City, IL, where Pete began his career teaching health and driver’s education and coaching high school football at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, IL and Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL while also jumping in to help his new father-in-law manage apartment rentals. Pete loved coaching, each season as memorable as the bonds he created with his players. Pete was dedicated to his craft and took great pride in helping the 1970 Thornridge Falcons earn their football state championship.

Spending his days coaching students prepared Pete for raising 4 children. He worked to instill the values of hard work, dedication, and focus in his children and grandchildren. Pete dedicated his life to ensuring his family had access to the opportunities he never had. He laid the foundation for their success, always emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and education.

Pete loved sharing new experiences with his family – whether on yearly Florida road trips, fishing, or water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks.  He continued to pass that zest for life to his grandchildren while teaching them to drive, golf, and taking them on many adventures. He led with a calm confidence – making each moment enjoyable while giving his family the reassurance that he was always taking care of them. Once, on a road trip to Florida, a semi-truck crashed into and totaled their station wagon. Instead of letting it end the trip, Pete brought his daughter with him to pick out a new car and kept the adventure going. As their children grew older, Pete and Marge continued traveling together – always making their time and memories special.

Pete lived by a simple code: work, save, learn, repeat. He shared that wisdom generously, mentoring his children, grandchildren, players, students and all who were fortunate to know him. The rock of stability for his family, Pete will be deeply missed. His family is comforted knowing he passed peacefully and was ready to join Marge in heaven.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 11 am at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (8601 Harrison Avenue, Munster, IN) with visitation immediately prior from 10 – 11am. Following the burial at Oakland Memory Lanes, loved ones are invited to gather at the place of Marge & Pete’s wedding 66 years ago –  American Legion Post 330 in Calumet City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in J.T.’s memory to Hospice of the Calumet area.

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