Robert Jensen

LASALLE — Robert Astrup “Bob” Jensen, 81, of LaSalle passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2013.

He was born March 23, 1932, in Chicago to Christian Astrup and Evangeline (Nine) Jensen. He attended LaSalle-Peru High School and Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was the proud owner and operator of C.A. Jensen Jewelry Store in LaSalle since 1958. He married Betty Dart Whitaker on Jan. 6, 1977, in Tonica. She passed away April 20, 2007.

He was a member of the LaSalle Rotary Club and served as past president, charter member and supporter of the Illinois Valley Symphony Board, Wisconsin Jewelry Association and the Deer Park Country Club. Bob was a board member of Oakwood Cemetery and L-P High School Board of Education, serving as board president. Bob enjoyed motorcross racing and ham radio.

He is survived by his children, Vicky Morrison of Springfield, Wendy (William) Schultz of Richmond, Va., and Larry Whitaker of Mundelein; four grandchildren, Valerie Schultz McFarland, David Schultz, Maxwell Whitaker and Hannah Whitaker; two sisters, Astrid (Earl) Berkson of Champaign and Karen (Hugh) Moore of Indianapolis; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty.

Services will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home, LaSalle. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 7 at Oakwood Cemetery, LaSalle, with full military rites conducted by the LaSalle-Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the L-P Education Foundation or the LaSalle Rotary Club.