Neil Jensen

Neil Jensen, age 85, of Merrimac passed away on February 16, 2018. Neil was born in Dell Prairie, Adams County on February 29, 1932 the son of Clarence and Thalia Jensen. He was proud of the fact that he was a Leap Year Baby. He was a 1950 graduate of Baraboo High School. On November 22, 1952 he married Joanne Parks. Neil was a farmer and carpenter. Neil and Joanne lived and farmed in Caledonia Township on the Heritage Hills Farm for 60 years and he was still helping rake hay at the age of 85. He was proud of the fact that he kept his thistles cut and his fences mended. He worked many other jobs in his life, including working 7 years for the Columbia County Highway Dept. Neil represented Caledonia on the Merrimac Fire Commission for 50 years starting in 1964 when the district formed. He was its first treasurer and did that for 33 years. He loved to play euchre and was a great joke and storyteller. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Joanne of Portage; children, Steve (Sharon) of Circle Pines MN, Debra of Sheboygan, Chris (Sue) of Merrimac. Grandchildren, Ryan (Holly) of Merrimac and Rachel (John) Severson of Portage. Siblings, Hazel Mulryan of Portage, Dorothy (Don) Ziemke of Baraboo, Gordon (June) of Baraboo, Marian Gasner of Baraboo, Linda (Mike) Kuwitzky of Muskego, Sue (Louis) Comte of Sanford ME, John (Alice) of Baraboo and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by infant brother Richard and brother-in-law John Mulryan. There will be no services per Neil's wishes. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Merrimac Volunteer Fire Department or your own local volunteer fire department. The family wishes to thank the staff at Heritage House of Portage for their care these last 5 months and the staff at the Home Health Hospice House in Baraboo.