Calvin John Jensema of rural Oostburg went home to be with the Lord January 31, 2026, at the age of 92. Calvin was born on March 15th, 1933, in the Town of Lima to George and Esther (née Lammers) Jensema, the sixth of nine children.
Calvin grew up on a farm outside of Oostburg and graduated from Oostburg High School in 1951. Following graduation Calvin traveled to Florida and worked at a hotel until entering the US Army during the Korean War. After completing his military service Calvin married Harriet Hopeman of Hingham on December 15, 1955.
Following his father’s death, Calvin managed the family farm for his mother until purchasing it from her in November 1956. Calvin farmed the homestead from 1956 until selling the farm to son Tom in 1997. Although sold, he could never really fully retire from it.
Calvin was a proud member of the Oostburg American Legion Post 286 and participated in an Honor Flight to Washington DC recognizing Korean War Veterans. He was active in Gibbsville Reformed Church serving as deacon and elder for multiple terms as well as teaching Sunday School and Bible classes. Along with his wife Harriet they participated in prison ministry for many years. He also served on town zoning and other local government boards.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents George and Esther, father- and mother-in-law Jesse and Esther (née Wilterdink) Hopeman, brother Gordon Jensema, brother Floyd and wife Johanna Jensema, sister Vi Jensema, sister Joyce VanHaveren and husband James, sister Dorthy Wilterdink and husband Marvin, sister Marylin Sterio and husband Ken, brother-in-law William (Bill) Hopeman and his wife Mary, sister-in-law Ann VerVelde, sister-in-law Jane Smies and her husband Andy. He was also preceded in death by God Son and beloved nephew Peter Jensema.
Calvin is survived by his wife of 70 years Harriet Jensema, son Daniel (Julie) Jensema of West Bend, son Thomas (Susan) Jensema of Oostburg, daughter Lori (Dan) Larsen of Waupun, and daughter Susan (Dave) Leith of Altoona. He is further survived by his grandchildren Eric Jensema of Madison; Jamie (Ben) Frazer of Slinger; Jesse (Jeni) Jensema of West Bend; Jacob (Emily) Larsen of Hudson; Dr. Jenell (Mattheus) Larsen Tempel of Juneau, AK; Jared Larsen (fiancée Savannah Mae Stenlund) of Missoula, MT; Dr. Kathleen Jensema (partner Alex Civil) of Philadelphia, PA; Caleb (Sara) Jensema of Gibbsville; Allison (Nick) Umland of Farmington, MN; Eileen (Jesse) Goss of Eau Claire; Jamie (Terry) Weaver of Eau Claire; and Chelsey Leith of Eau Claire.
Calvin had 15 great grandchildren at the time of his death. They include Alexander Frazer of Richfield; Ian Frazer of Slinger; USMC LCpl Emily Frazer of Yuma, AZ; Anthony Jensema of West Bend; Theadore and Elliot Jensema of Gibbsville; Cullen, August, and Nora Larsen of Hudson; Elias Larsen Tempel of Juneau, AK; Patrick and Emmett Goss of Eau Claire; Deanna Baker, Cierra Weaver, and Bentley Woods of Eau Claire.
Calvin is further survived by his youngest brother Mark (Elizabeth) Jensema of Greenville, sister Carol DenBoer of Oostburg, and brother-in-law Lyle “Duff ” VerVelde of Cedar Grove, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Calvin’s family would like to express thanks to Dr. Bettag and his wonderful staff as well as all of those individuals that assisted him with transportation for his treatments and doctor appointments. Also, thanks to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for their care and compassion in his final days.
Funeral services will be held at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:00PM with military honors to follow. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service on Calvin’s obituary page at wenigfh.com . Visitation will be held at the funeral home Monday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A private internment service for immediate family will be at Gibbsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Oostburg American Legion Post 286 and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg (920-564-2771) is honored to be assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for online condolences.
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