William "Bill" Jensen

Bill Jensen, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Rock Falls, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Bill was born March 26, 1941, in Superior, Wisconsin, to William and Margaret (Shipley) Jensen. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who made a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Bill shared 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Patricia “Pat” Jensen. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, friendships and many years of memories. Bill especially treasured his grandchildren and great-grandsons, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Hard work was more than a way of life for Bill—it was something he genuinely loved. He began working on the interstate as a laborer right out of high school and worked his way up to becoming an Operating Engineer. He joined Operating Engineers Local 139 in 1961, beginning an association that would remain an important and proud part of his life for more than six decades.

Bill began his career with L.G. Arnold, Inc., learning from experienced operators who took him under their wing. He later worked for Perrenoud Contractors, operating heavy equipment and helping build roads, highways and interstates throughout Wisconsin.

Eventually, Bill put his experience and entrepreneurial spirit to work and founded Bill Jensen Excavating, Inc. He worked with numerous homebuilders throughout the Eau Claire area and had a special gift for looking at a piece of undeveloped land and envisioning what it could become. His experience and creativity allowed him to guide builders and homeowners in creating beautiful lots, driveways and homesites.

Bill took tremendous pride doing things well. When interviewed years later about his career, he described work simply: “It was my hobby.” His philosophy was equally straightforward: “You can’t do it partway…I’d do it the way I would have done it for myself.”

That determination followed Bill throughout his life.

Retirement didn’t mean retiring from the equipment he loved. Bill continued to collect, operate and restore Caterpillar equipment and Farmall tractors. He particularly enjoyed finding old machinery in need of attention, tracking down hard-to-find parts and patiently bringing it back to its original condition. He was creative, mechanically gifted and could fix nearly anything—and he enjoyed the challenge.

One of Bill’s treasured antique Caterpillar RD6 tractors was eventually donated to Operating Engineers Local 139 and displayed at the union hall in Altoona—a fitting tribute to both his career and his lifelong love of heavy equipment.

Bill also had a deep love for his country and was a true patriot. He believed the American flag deserved to be proudly displayed; it was his way of honoring the country he loved.

Bill worked hard, but he also knew the importance of friendship and a good story. He loved spending time with his friends, going out to eat and sharing plenty of laughter. He especially looked forward to meeting friends for breakfast several times a week at McDonald’s, where the conversation—and the stories—could go on and on.

Those who knew Bill will remember his sense of humor, his mischievous spirit and the twinkle in his eye when he had a story to tell.

Bill faced life’s challenges with the same determination he brought to his work. After being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2003, he underwent a year of treatment and went on to enjoy more than two decades of a full and active life. Even through the health challenges of his final year, Bill remained determined and continued to fight with remarkable strength.

Above all, Bill will be remembered for the life he built: the roads and homesites shaped by his hands, the old machines he brought back to life, the flags he proudly raised, the stories shared over countless breakfasts, and the family and friendships that meant so much to him.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; daughter RoseAnn (Loyd) Olson of Alpharetta, Georgia; son Jim Jensen of Hamilton, Montana; grandchildren Zach (Brittny) Olson and Courtney (Alex) Klandorf; and great-grandsons Hudson Olson and Nathan Klandorf of Cumming, Georgia.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-laws Shirley Hoffman, Mary Kinderman; brother and sister in-law Jim & Karen Severson, sister in-law Betty Bowe; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret (Shipley) Jensen; his sister, Janice (Roger) Buelow; his brothers, Charles Jensen and Bob Jensen and sister in-law Judy Jensen; and brothers-in-law Ken Kinderman and Bob Hoffman.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Moments Hospice and Visiting Angels for the kindness and compassionate care they provided Bill during the final week of his life.

Visitation will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Home, 679 Hehli Way, Mondovi, Wisconsin, on August 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Brunswick Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at Westgate Sportsman’s Club, 4909 S. Sportsman Drive, Eau Claire.