Charles (Chuck) Jensen, 86 years old, went to be with his Lord on Friday, August 15, 2025. He died of heart failure in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born Laverne Charles Cooperman on September 7, 1938 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was very fortunate to be adopted by Janet and Cliff Jensen, now deceased, and became Charles Jensen. He is also preceded in death by a sister Robin (husband Wayne Pett).

Chuck developed his hard work ethic growing up on a farm but also had many fine memories of life in Eagle, Wisconsin. He was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and 'doggie dad'.

He is survived by his wife Sharon; son Charles (wife Elizabeth); daughter Danielle (husband Mark Blankenship), Leslie Peters;  grandchildren Amanda Baker, Madison and Braden Blankenship;  sister Melinda (husband Don Brunn); brother Jeffrey; as well as his devoted dogs, Benji and Josie, who never wanted to leave his lap.

Chuck proudly served in the Navy and the Reserve from 1959 to 1965. He married Sharon in 1967 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They also lived in New Jersey and Illinois where they made many great and lasting friendships. When in Illinois, they started ballroom dancing and continued for many years attending dance weekends with friends. Chuck was a sharp dresser and had purchased sport coats in every color to match Sharon's outfits. When dressing to either go to church or a dance he would ask Sharon 'what are you going to wear?' and then match his outfit precisely to hers.  In the 58 years that they were married, she never had to tell him what to wear or what to buy because he had impeccable taste.

When younger, Chuck was an avid runner with a goal to run a marathon, which he accomplished. He loved sports of any kind and watched them all on tv. He loved to golf and even played in some of the coldest months with his Illinois golfing buddies. He remained a loyal Green Bay Packer fan all of his life, regardless of what state they lived in. Chuck also became an accomplished woodworker, having made some of the furniture in their current home.

He worked in retail, first at Marshall Field and then for Sears where he entered a career training program. He started unloading trucks at their new Brookfield store in Wisconsin. He then 'climbed the ladder', becoming a manager of various departments, and became an assistant buyer where he was transferred to the New York headquarters. After 8 years the New York office closed and he transferred to Illinois where he worked in the Real Estate department. Upon retiring from Sears he then went to work for Montgomery Ward until 1999. They moved to New Mexico, being tired of the Midwestern winters and have intended to remain there.

Chuck was a faithful member of St. Johns United Methodist church. An avid reader, he loved reading his bible and attending the men's study groups as well as the couples bible study with his wife and friends from St. Stephens United Methodist church. While it was very difficult for him to be mobile the last year of his life, he insisted on attending the 'brown baggers' study group the week before he died. It was his last outing prior to being hospitalized. He never wanted to be thought of as helpless and he pushed himself beyond what he should have to the end. He had even attempted to mow the lawn this summer although he could barely stand up for long!  He was of an optimistic nature, saying that he always saw the glass 'half full' rather than 'half empty'. When a doctor or a nurse would ask him how he was doing, he simply replied 'I'm doing' rather than admit to not feeling well. Chuck always put others before himself, especially his wife, and he would do anything for a friend!

All who knew him will remember him as a kind, loving and generous man with a gentle spirit. Even his dogs miss him greatly, still sleeping on his side of the bed, watching and waiting for him. As so many friends have remarked recently,' he was a great guy - one of the best'. We will hold you in our hearts forever Chuck.

A Celebration of Life followed by a reception will be held at St. Johns United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona NE. (Arizona and Phoenix NE.) in Albuquerque, on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon. In celebration of Chuck, the family requests those attending to please wear bright colors!

In lieu of flowers, we urge you to support kindness in your own way.  Feel free to donate to the Alzheimer's Association of Albuquerque, any charity of your choice, or a quiet act of generosity.