Philip B. Jensen

Heres to the Dad, the Granddad, the best guy ever
the storyteller and painter, the inventor and golfer, the collector and master tinkerer with a heart as gold as the Golden Dome. Heres to Phil Jensen, who died Friday, June 16.
Phil was born in Emporia, Kansas, January 23, 1928, to Wilhelmina (Billie) Gufler and F.B. (Bus) Jensen. He graduated Cum Laude from Notre Dame in 1949 and completed post-graduate study in Business Administration at Emporia State.
Following graduation, he was employed by Dearie & Co. (American Sugar) in Detroit. He then entered the Military (1951) where he served at Fort Riley, KS and Fort Eustis, VA; he was awarded commendation in the Transportation Corps and was discharged as 1st Lt. in 1953.
In 1954, he became manager of Jensen Egg Company (a division of the family-owned business) manufacturing dehydrated and frozen egg products for the baking industry. In 1965, he became manager of Emporia Ice & Cold Storagethe flagship business of T Jensen & Sons. A few years later, Hopkins Manufacturing Inc. persuaded him to join their company as Director of Finance; soon after, he and his family moved to Kansas City where he was Purchaser of Food Commodities for Standard Brands, later merging with Nabisco. He retired at Nabisco/Kraft as Director of Purchasing Frozen Food Division.
His work took him from Chanute, Ks to Emporia, KS then ultimately Prairie Village, KS in 1970. He was always active in the community and the Catholic Churchfrom Chairman of Citizens National Bank and Rotary Club to President of the Parish Council and Serra Club. He was a church lector for over 50 years and instrumental in numerous church initiatives. He and his wife, Mary Jo, were legacy members of St. Anns Catholic Church. A collection of his paintings, "Blessed Mother Stamps of the World," hangs permanently at St. Anns--illustrating his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Phil married Mary Jo (Wilhite) in 1955 while visiting her in Europe. It was one of his favorite stories to tellhow he didnt want her "to get away," so he travelled to Germany where she was working. They sent a telegram home (in German!) to inform the family they had eloped. He loved reminiscing about the European honeymoon and sailing home on the Queen Elizabeth II. What a great start to a 60-year marriage!
Phil and Mary Jo had five children-- David (deceased), Mary Reilly, T Anne and Marn--and called Prairie Village their home for over 47 years.
Phil will be remembered by these milestones, of course, but mostly he will be remembered by his funny stories, artistic soul, inventive mind, gentle spirit and sparkly blue eyes.
Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jo; his parents (Wilhelmina and FB Jensen), and sister (Virginia OReilly). Survivors include four children, Reilly Jensen (Judy Meleliat), T Jensen (Lisa), Anne Edmonds (Robb) and Marn Jensen. Phil also leaves seven grandchildren: Andrew, Rachel, Lucy, Sydney and David Edmonds and Emma Jensen.
Services: Thursday, June 22, at St. Ann Catholic Church (7241 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS). 9:45am Rosary, 10:00 Visitation in the gathering space, and 11:00 Funeral Mass. Graveside burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery later that day in Emporia, Ks.
Charitable contributions may be made to: Benedictine Sisters (31970 State HWY P, Clyde, MO 64432), St. Ann Catholic Church (7241 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, 66208) or Alzheimers Association, Heart of America Chapter (3846 W. 75th Street, PV, KS, 66208).



SERVICES Rosary
Thursday, June 22, 2017 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
St. Ann's Catholic Church 7231 Mission Road Prairie Village, Kansas 66208
Visitation
Thursday, June 22, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Ann's Catholic Church 7231 Mission Road Prairie Village, Kansas 66208
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, June 22, 2017 11:00 AM
St. Ann's Catholic Church 7231 Mission Road Prairie Village, Kansas 66208