Thomas R. Jensen

Thomas R. Jensen PE, 83 years old, formerly of Emmaus, PA, died Wednesday January 6th, 2009 at Fellowship Manor in Whitehall, PA, from complications of Dementia. He was born in Chicago, IL and was the son of the late Russell and Maude (Foster) Jensen. Tom graduated from Glen Bard High School Glen Ellen, IL in 1944. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Post WWII he attended Penn State University and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1950.He later earned an MBA from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. He worked as a Field Engineer for 45 years in the Electric Utility Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation including two years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an advisor in developing that countries electrical infrastructure system. While working in the mid east, he traveled extensively, a calling he pursued after his retirement from Westinghouse. Over a twenty year period he visited all seven continents of the world, including Antarctica. According to his passports, he visited 53 different countries. He was also employed by Quad Three Associates as an Electrical Systems consultant after his retirement from Westinghouse. Tom was active in his community, where he served in many roles at the Allentown YMCA, including Chairman of the Board and Building Committee Chairman. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. Tom loved running, and ran in five different marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon and the NYC Marathon. He loved history, economics, and bird watching from his window. He was a fan of Steam Railroads and was an expert on the era of Steam Trains in the USA. He was a loyal and kind Dad, Grandpa, and Engineer to all who had the honor of knowing him. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Madeira) Jensen on June 13, 2007. He is survived by 1 son, William M. husband of Lynda Jensen, Ephrata, one daughter, Barbara A. wife of Edwin Brader, Palmerton and one grandson, William Thomas Jensen. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday January 12th at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Allentown, PA. Visitation at the church will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Memorial contributions in Tom's memory may be made to the Allentown YMCA, 425 S. 15th St., Allentown, PA 18102 or Carbon County Friends of Animals, 900 Walnut Ave., Jim Thorpe, PA. 18229. Burial will be private at a later date in St. Luke's Cemetery, Shoemakersville. The Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc. Hamburg is in charge of arrangements