Obituary for Erik S. Jensen
Erik S. Jensen of Cranberry Township passed away peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2022, at Butler Memorial Hospital. Erik was born on April 3, 1943, in Ashland, Kentucky, a son of the late Erik Skram and Betty (Stock) Jensen. Surviving is his loving wife, Dorothy Anne (Heagy) Jensen; children Brent (Mary Lou) Jensen, Beth (Christian) Peck, Erik C. (Sasha) Jensen, and John A. Jensen; grandchildren Ben Jensen, Elisabeth Montaruli, Cameron Peck, Audrey Peck, Elizabeth Dalstrom, and Aleksander Jensen; four great grandchildren; and siblings Lyda (Tom) Wenger and Max (Rita) Jensen.
As a pillar of strength for his family and friends, Erik exemplified purposeful and humble service throughout his lifetime. Aside from his family, Erik’s greatest devotion was to the military. Following in his beloved father’s footsteps, Erik enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966, proudly serving during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was an 0311 infantryman, earning a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. After serving honorably as a Marine, Erik began his truck driving career, a profession that provided countless hours for him to contemplate his personal and spiritual truths. Having driven tractor trailers for decades over millions of miles, he reveled in every vibrant sunrise, rolling valley, blue sky, and starry night. Genuine and authentic, Erik was a gifted storyteller when it came to sharing his lifetime of experiences on the road. In spite of being asked to repeat every story over and over again, he never failed to bring life to every tale. Erik earned numerous awards for safe driving throughout his career; whether heading out on the road for a line-haul or a long-haul, he left with a kiss and the phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Erik was a man of traditional values, mechanically-inclined, and well-read. Patient, meticulous by nature, and resourceful, he was adept at fixing things. Throughout his life, he also appreciated the ability of the mind, body, and spirit, participating in sports such as baseball and bowling. Anyone who took the time to know Erik was rewarded with his loyal friendship. Selfless and egoless, he will always be remembered, cherished, and admired for his strength, courage, and character.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Marine Corps Funeral Honors ceremony to honor Erik’s commitment to his beloved country. To attend this graveside service, meet at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 1030 hours. A reception celebrating Erik’s life will follow at 1400 hours at The Villas at Isleworth, 1080 Wealdstone Road, Cranberry, PA 16066.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Butler Memorial Hospital Geriatric Unit in honor of Erik, to express gratitude for the exceptional compassionate care provided during the last mile of his journey on Earth. Butler Memorial Hospital Geriatric Unit, 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001.
As a pillar of strength for his family and friends, Erik exemplified purposeful and humble service throughout his lifetime. Aside from his family, Erik’s greatest devotion was to the military. Following in his beloved father’s footsteps, Erik enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966, proudly serving during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was an 0311 infantryman, earning a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. After serving honorably as a Marine, Erik began his truck driving career, a profession that provided countless hours for him to contemplate his personal and spiritual truths. Having driven tractor trailers for decades over millions of miles, he reveled in every vibrant sunrise, rolling valley, blue sky, and starry night. Genuine and authentic, Erik was a gifted storyteller when it came to sharing his lifetime of experiences on the road. In spite of being asked to repeat every story over and over again, he never failed to bring life to every tale. Erik earned numerous awards for safe driving throughout his career; whether heading out on the road for a line-haul or a long-haul, he left with a kiss and the phrase, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Erik was a man of traditional values, mechanically-inclined, and well-read. Patient, meticulous by nature, and resourceful, he was adept at fixing things. Throughout his life, he also appreciated the ability of the mind, body, and spirit, participating in sports such as baseball and bowling. Anyone who took the time to know Erik was rewarded with his loyal friendship. Selfless and egoless, he will always be remembered, cherished, and admired for his strength, courage, and character.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Marine Corps Funeral Honors ceremony to honor Erik’s commitment to his beloved country. To attend this graveside service, meet at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 1030 hours. A reception celebrating Erik’s life will follow at 1400 hours at The Villas at Isleworth, 1080 Wealdstone Road, Cranberry, PA 16066.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Butler Memorial Hospital Geriatric Unit in honor of Erik, to express gratitude for the exceptional compassionate care provided during the last mile of his journey on Earth. Butler Memorial Hospital Geriatric Unit, 1 Hospital Way, Butler, PA 16001.