Wayne M. Jensen, 82, formerly of Elgin and Geneva, Illinois, and Salida, Colorado, died April 3, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Pamela; sons, Stephen and Robert; daughters, Kelly (Tim Sheiner) and Sara (Sean Horbert); and grandchildren, Benjamin, Jacob, Max, and Vivian.

He practiced law in Elgin for 43 years, retiring from Brady and Jensen in 2007.

Wayne was many things - an accomplished attorney, a loyal friend, a loving husband and father, son, brother, uncle, and cousin. He was good at connecting with people - family, friends, clients, juries. He took the important roles he played for others seriously, himself less so. His perspective on life's absurdities was keen. He made it more fun for all of us.

AMONG HIS ROLES:

ENTERTAINER - His creative use of profanity during Chicago Bears games was legendary. His original "Super Jelly Bean" stories delighted generations of Jensen children and cousins.

ATHLETE - Whether speed-skating or downhill skiing, fast was never fast enough. An avid golfer, he compensated for an often undersupply of skill with a robust enthusiasm for the game. With a few good friends, he was a runner before it was cool to run.

STYLE GURU - He courageously abandoned his comb-over, lighting the way for countless others.

FAMILY ACTIVITY DIRECTOR/PARTICIPANT - He led annual family troop movements to Marco Island, Florida, calmly (mostly) navigating airport and southern highway adventures. Willing to sacrifice for the sake of his younger children, he once spent an entire day at Disney World exclusively on the "It's a Small World" ride and another day exclusively on the Monorail. He was the gifted builder of magnificent drip sandcastles. He took his kids to "Star Wars" 11 times.

This list is a sampling. Further and less censored elaboration will occur at a Celebration of Life sometime this summer in Illinois.

Throughout his 10 year Alzheimer's journey, Wayne never lost his sense of humor. His family is grateful to the friends and caregivers who helped make that time meaningful for him and us.