"I was a client of Eric?a as the administrator for two groups he represented. But more important, we became friends... and that was the best part. I always enjoyed talking politics with Eric and bragging about our kids. I was always in awe of his position with the beer distributors, a job about which he was always proud. It was shocking to hear Eric had passed and he will be missed. "
In loving memory of
Eric B. Jensen
February 20, 1968 - September 13, 2019
Madison - Eric Bjorn Jensen died September 13, 2019, after a year-long battle with liver cancer. He was cared for by his loving family until the end. He is survived by his four children, Joe, Jake, Jane and Jimmy, his wife Jodi, his parents, Norm and Nancy Jensen, his brother Jeff (Sara), and many loving nephews, cousins and other relatives and dear friends. Eric will be deeply missed. He was born at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois, on February 20, 1968, and raised as a Madisonian through and through. He attended the Montessori Children's House, Falk Elementary School, Orchard Ridge Middle School, and James Madison Memorial High School in Madison. He proudly swam for the Memorial Spartans, and spent many years swimming and coaching at Ridgewood Pool.
Eric continued his swimming career briefly at the UW Madison, where he received his BA in Political Science, and later a JD from the UW Law School. He spent a memorable junior year studying abroad and swimming at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. He was an avid Badger fan from a young age, and spent some of his youth working at the Big Ten Pub, where his large group of friends would meet to take in the games.
After law school, Eric practiced law and later worked in government relations for the Wisconsin Medical Society. He found his calling when he became the Executive Director for the Wisconsin Beer Distributors, a role he proudly held for the past eighteen years. Eric also lobbied on behalf of and represented many physician groups and other clients. His family and friends witnessed Eric first develop and refine his "gift of gab" during his years as a bar tender, and later watched as he parlayed that gift, together with his keen interest in the law and politics, to become a passionate and effective professional advocate for the clients he humbly served to the very end.
Beyond a doubt, Eric's greatest passion was his four children. Nothing made him happier than cheering them on at soccer, basketball, karate, and especially at swim meets. He felt lucky to have seen all four of his kids participate together in this summer's All City Swim Meet. Eric's enthusiasm was infectious. He was so proud of, and so loved his kids.
Eric fought his cancer privately, with great courage. Our hearts are broken to have to say goodbye. We will remember the way he made us laugh, his unsurpassed skills on the Jet Ski and at the grill, the joy he felt on the golf course, the passion he brought to watching the Packers or Badgers play, his love of strange and fun cars, and the way his smile would light up a room.
A memorial in Eric's honor will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at 3:30 pm, with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705. A reception for guests will be held immediately following the memorial service at the Madison Club, 5 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family recommends that contributions be made in Eric's honor to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, specifically identifying "cholangiocarcinoma research" within the GI Cancer Research Fund, at 600 Highland Avenue, K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164, or to a charity of your choosing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson says "it is not the length of life, but the depth of life." Eric's life ended too soon, but it had great depth. All of us that knew and loved him were so very lucky to have shared in his journey.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"I was a client of Eric?a as the administrator for two groups he represented. But more important, we became friends... and that was the best part. I always enjoyed talking politics with Eric and bragging about our kids. I was always in awe of his position with the beer distributors, a job about which he was always proud. It was shocking to hear Eric had passed and he will be missed. "
"Jodi and Doctor Jensen: Our sympathy on the passing of Eric. I remember him clearly as a bright guy with a ready smile during our years at WMS. My wish for you is healing and recovering after such a terrible loss. He lives on through his beautiful children "
"Saddened to hear of the loss of Eric. He and his brother Jeff were the Ridgewood coaches for me and my siblings a long time ago. They truly made those days the glory days. Although he likely never knew it, the impressions made then have created lasting joyful memories that I now share with my family. "
"Jodi and family: You are in my thoughts and prayers. A great life well lived."
"I am so sorry. Having spent many years swimming with Eric I have many fun memories. I?m so sorry. My heart hurts for his family and friends. "
"I am profoundly saddened to learn of my midwestern colleague's untimely passing. Mercifully, Eric's ordeal is ended. I offer my condolences to his entire family along with so many friends he made along the way. "
"I doubt that I have known a man who laughed more, or caused more people do the same, than Eric. He brought happiness wherever he appeared. He was a gift to all who had the good fortune to know him. It makes me terribly sad to know that he has been lost to us. Ron Kuehn"
"Jodi and kids
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you as you grieve.
Dave & Alicia Lundal and family "