Robert Knute Jensen

Robert Knute Jensen

  Age 87, of Penn Yan, NY, passed from this life on February 22, 2023. He was a guest at Keuka Comfort Care Home at the time.  Bob choose to participate in the University of Rochester Medical Center Anatomical Gift Program.

  A gathering for family and friends will be held at Weldon Funeral Home, 102 E. Main Street, Penn Yan, on Saturday, April 1 from 1 - 4 pm. The afternoon will close with military funeral honors in recognition of Bob’s Navy service.

  He was born June 18, 1935 in Penn Yan, the son to Alfred Sr. and Lucy (Bock) Jensen, and later Helen (Carpenter) Jensen.

 Bob was a sixth-generation descendant of Finger Lakes families, and the grandson of Jens Alfred Knud Jensen and Margaret Gay Parker, of Pulteney.  He grew up on Keuka Lake. After their marriage in 1960, he and his wife, Leona (Staake) Jensen, built their forever home overlooking Seneca Lake.

  Bob and Leona raised their four sons, Marc, Neal, Dana and Alex Jensen. He is survived by them and their respective families, including sixteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Al Jensen Jr., of Penn Yan and Tucson AZ.

  A graduate of Penn Yan Academy, Bob enlisted, first in the in the National Guard and then in the United States Navy. While in the Navy he was stationed at the USNS Argentina, in Newfoundland.

  After leaving the Navy, and a short time at Stromberg-Carlson in Rochester, Bob joined the General Dynamics Research Barge on Seneca Lake. He then worked for the NUSC (Naval Underwater Systems Center) until he retired. For some time he also served as code enforcement officer for the town of Torrey.  After his formal retirement, Bob continued working as “Small Jobs & Honey-Dos.” 

  Bob lived a life of community service and involvement. As if work wasn’t enough, Bob invested many hours supporting the area. Bob was a member of the Isaak Walton League, as was his father. He was also a member of the Keuka Lake Renegades, and a general member and board member of the Yates County Sportsmen’s Club.

  Bob was also involved with the Owasco Valley Beagle Club, both as a breeder and a judge. He continued his love of the breed as a breeder and owner of Gunsmoke Beagles.

  Bob continued his community efforts as a member and volunteer for Friends of the Outlet. He was a First Responder with the Dresden Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 82 for many years.

  Bob’s love of the outdoors played a very big part in his life. He was an avid sportsman, skilled hunter, archer and fisherman.  He was a member of NYS Field Archers and Bowhunters. He also was an expert sailor and in the winter he sailed his family’s iceboats.

  He led the 4H Youth Shooting Sports Program for children and their parents. He also helped create the Dresden School Nature Trail.

  Bob was a New York State Certified Bowhunter Safety Instructor, as well as a NYS Certified Hunter Safety Instructor, and taught many people in the Penn Yan area.

  Last, Bob was a member of the Little River Fish and Game Club and a life member of the Out-a-Fit Club and the NRA.

  Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leona, his sons Marc, Neal, Dana and Alex and their families, and the many whom he touched with his love, generosity, kind heart, good humor and ready wit.

    In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Keuka Comfort Care Home or the Penn Yan Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

  You may leave a condolence or memory of Bob in his obituary at www.WeldonFuneralHome.com