Roger W. Kensmoe
Roger William Kensmoe, 92, passed peacefully, April 13, 2024, at Dove Healthcare Center in Osseo.
Roger was born to Oscar and Ella (Halverson) Kensmoe, April 2, 1932, on the family farm in Pleasantville where he grew up with his six siblings: Harriet, Beatrice, Emilie, Melford, Orlan and Kenneth. In 1950, Roger graduated at the top of his class from Memorial High School in Eau Claire.
In 1951, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Sonar Operator during the Korean War. While serving, he completed a “world tour”, visiting 52 countries. Later, he was operating the sonar equipment when he received a “ping” for the splash-down location of the first-ever unmanned rocket launched by the United States. Roger was incredibly proud of his time serving, and in June of 2023, he was honored for his service at The Highgrounds Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville.
On December 10, 1955, he married Mary Jane Otto. Roger and Mary raised six children together and lived in Eau Claire, Foster, and Cleghorn before finally settling in Strum where they raised their family.
After leaving the Navy in 1955, Roger worked for some time as an auto mechanic before joining Uniroyal as a batch maker. While working at Uniroyal, he also began farming. Roger stayed with Uniroyal for 38 years before retiring.
Roger was an avid Packers and Brewers fan and never missed a game. He also loved to go deer hunting and continued to hunt well into his 80s. Roger was well known for his quick wit and great sense of humor.
He is survived by his children: Dan Kensmoe, William (Julie) Kensmoe, Jeanine (Paul) Windjue, Mike (Debbie) Kensmoe, Doug Kensmoe, and Tom (Sara) Kensmoe; honorary son, Tim Engen; grandchildren: Bradley (Mandy) Kensmoe, Derick (Kelly) Kensmoe, Ashley (Shawn) Gray, Bailee (Aaron) Corlett, Kaylene and Nicole Windjue, Dana (Travis) Hollister, Erin (Ben Woychik) Kensmoe, and Kate (Tommy) Torkelson; and great-grandchildren: Quinn and Gracey Kensmoe, Camryn and David Corlett, Allison Stewart, Austin Radle, Landyn and Luca Windjue, and Gabi, Matt, and Casey Hollister; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; his parents, Oscar and Ella Kensmoe; his six siblings; his daughter-in-law, Cindy; and many friends.
A visitation was held the night of Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Schiefelbein Funeral Home in Osseo, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to funeral services on Friday, April 19, at Chimney Rock Lutheran Church in Strum. Funeral services started at 11:00 a.m., and a committal service and burial took place at Rest Haven Cemetery in Eau Claire. Military honors were performed graveside.
The family would like to give special thanks to Nancy and the rest of the staff at Dove Healthcare Center for all their love and care.
