LaVerne C. Jenson

LaVerne C. Jenson, 93, of Eau Claire, passed away on December 14, 2024, at his home, under the care of his loving wife, Jan, and attended by the Mayo Home Hospice.

He was born in Eau Claire on June 8, 1931, the son of Melvin and Pearl (Krop) Jenson.  They lived with Pearl’s parents on their farm until they moved to Kenosha in support of the World War II effort, before returning to Eau Claire.

He attended UW-Eau Claire, then Eau Claire State Teachers College, until his senior year when he was drafted in support of the Korean War.  He served 2 years at Ft. Knox as a clerk because he knew how to type.  After completing his service as a corporal, he returned to complete his senior year and received a teaching degree and a minor in mathematics.

He first taught band at Fairchild, where he met his future wife, Shirley Pingel.  He had other teaching positions, including math at Glen Flora, and in a music coordinator position in Eau Claire.  Before returning to Eau Claire, he opened the Jenson Music Store in Ripon, WI, where he sold music, instruments, and was a Conn organ dealer and repairer.

After returning to Eau Claire, they had their son Mark.  Vern became a band teacher at Central Jr. High, which he continued through the move to South Jr. High, until he retired in 1988.  He designed the music department area for DeLong Jr. High and for South Jr. High when they were built.

He married Janice (Lee) Lueck in 1989.  They began spending winters in Pharr, TX, which they have continued doing for 26 years.

He was always musical, as were his parents.  He played piano, organ, guitar, percussion, sang, and played keyboards at many events all through his life, and could play hundreds of songs by memory or by ear, to the delight of many listeners.  He taught music, and conducted church choirs.  He brought music and love of music to thousands of his students and friends. 

He was an avid golfer, had a membership at Hallie for many years, and played in many leagues.  He was a relatively small and light person, but played well, knowing what club to use and hitting straight. 

He is survived by his wife Jan, his son Mark (Dawn) Jenson, sisters-in-law Carol Sorenson and Margie Lee, stepchildren René (Chris) Mewes, Mike (Christine) Lueck, and Randy (Stephanie) Lueck, step-grandchildren Jason Kurth, Jennifer Kurth, Trey Mewes, Clay Mewes, Joshua Kubera, Tanner Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Lily Lueck, Elliot Lueck, Jonathan Larson, Alex Lueck, and Maggie Lueck, and their children and grandchildren.

The family thanks the Mayo Hospice for their assistance and care in the last months.

A visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church 1314 E Lexington Blvd, Eau Claire, WI Friday, December 27, 2024 from 9:30 - 11 am. A memorial service will be held the same day at the church at 11 am. Pastor Patrick Patterson will officiate the service. Inurnment with military honors in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire will take place immediately following the service.

To view the service virtually please use the link provided  https://trinity-ec.org/

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LaVerne C. Jenson, please visit our floral store.