Peter Jensema

Peter James Jensema, age 56 of Cloverleaf Lakes, joined his heavenly Father in heaven on July 13th following complications from a heart attack. He was born on October 23, 1968 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Mark and Elizabeth Jensema. At the age of 14, Pete was in a hunting accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down and wheelchair dependent. Despite this life altering circumstance, his courageous spirit and determination led him to achieve a very successful life.

Peter graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1987. He then graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he was a member of the wheelchair basketball team. He then met his wife Mary at UWW, and they were married in 1996. They celebrated 29 years of marriage before his passing. Pete was a teacher and reading specialist for young children. He went on to coach girl’s basketball at New London High School for many years.

Pete loved to be outside. He could be found working in the yard, four-wheeling, waterskiing, driving his tractors, or laying in the sun by the lake. He was an avid fisherman and was especially proud of his trophy muskies. Peter was very passionate about sports and cheered relentlessly for the Packers, Badgers (especially women’s rowing), and Wisconsin basketball at all levels. He enjoyed playing cards and board games with family and friends. He loved movies, Christmas, and most of all, he loved to be with his family and was abundantly proud of his daughter Morgan.

Peter was known for being remarkably handy and wise. He could talk to anyone about any topic and never miss a beat. He will be most remembered for his unwillingness to yield to his challenges, sustaining a life that commanded respect and led with love. He leaves behind an empty place in the hearts of his loved ones who will miss him beyond words.

He is survived by his wife Mary; his daughter Morgan; his parents Mark and Liz; his mother-in-law Shirley; his siblings Heidi (Todd), Todd (Lisa), Micheal (Jodi), and David; his nieces Ally, Maddy, and Hannah; and his nephews Mitch, Josh, Matt, Jake, and Wyatt.

A memorial will be held on July 21st at Appleton Alliance Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00am followed by the service at 11:00am, with a luncheon to conclude. His final resting place will be at Greendale Cemetery in Sheboygan. 

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Gibson Island Memorial fund.