Jerry Jensen

1933 - 2015

Jerry Lawrence Jensen

June 14, 1933 - July 13, 2015

Jerry Jensen left us unexpectedly on July 13, the result of a heart attack. For family and friends, memories will always include his broad smile, hearty laugh, and thoughtful comments. For his many dental patients, it will be the gentle, honest care he offered and the stories of life exchanged. His deep spirituality was in the Golden Rule and simply, in always doing one's best.

Jerry married Carol Ann Lucas of San Francisco in 1958 and they lovingly raised children Lauren Lucas and Marc Lawrence in Lafayette. Together they traveled, played tennis, skied, sailed, enjoyed nature, the arts, puzzles, and a wealth of friends and family in active and conversational pursuits. In 1988, Marc married Nancy Grieve, adding her extended family to the Jensen's and then Jerry's beloved grandsons Taylor Lawrence and Michael Robert. Sadly, both Carol and Marc predeceased Jerry in 1998 and 2007, respectively. In 2001 Jerry found a second love with Arlene Grieve, sharing grandchildren, traveling extensively, enjoying one another's company, good humor, and the many family celebrations.

As sister Sally Mae before him, Jerry was born to Arthur Lawrence Jensen and Vera Vivian Wilkins Jensen, both dentists in Berkeley. Stepmother R. Roberta Rosker joined the family after Vera's early death. Jerry attended Cragmont, Bentley, and graduated from Berkeley High. A good laugh with friends, travel, nature, golf and other sports were already valued in his life. He attended Pomona then graduated with honors from UC Berkeley. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Jerry received his doctorate from UCSF Dental School in 1959. He began practicing dentistry that year while serving in the Army in Würtzburg, Germany, then in 1964 with his father in Berkeley, and in 1981 on his own in Lafayette until his retirement in 2002. He completed graduate courses and gave presentations in dentistry but found more joy in the camaraderie with his patients than in the study of dentistry. He enjoyed service as a Lafayette Rotary member. Post retirement Jerry moved to Rossmoor to spend time with good friends playing golf and with his family.

Jerry is survived by his companion Arlene, his daughter Lauren, grandsons Taylor and Michael Jensen, sister Sally Lewis, and daughter-in-law Nancy Jensen Park. He was like a second father to grieving extended family including Philip Park, Lauren Livingston, Jean Crooks, and Robin Jenkinson.

A memorial celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Thursday, July 30 at 11:00 a.m. at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek (925) 947-1678. If considering a donation in Jerry's name, please make it to the charity of your heart. Jerry was a long time supporter of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Yosemite Conservancy, CoCoCo Food Bank/Meals on Wheels; and Wounded Warrior Project.