Richard Paul Jensema Obituary

Richard Paul Jensema "Dick", of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center following a courageous battle with COVID-19. He was 69.

Dick was born on April 22, 1951 in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, to Milford Jensema and Anita Jensema Opgenorth. Dick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Christina; sons, Bradley Jensema and wife, Amy, of Crofton, MD, and Andrew "AJ" Jensema of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, John and Claire Jensema of Crofton, MD; mother, Anita Jensema Opgenorth of Norton Shores, MI; brothers Carl Jensema of Tucson, AZ, and Daniel Jensema of Norton Shores, MI, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Milford Jensema, his mother-in-law, Carroll Howells and his stepfather-in-law, Henry Howells, III.

Dick was a mentor and respected friend to many throughout his career in telecommunications sales, including many years with Verizon Wireless.

Dick was an active volunteer in youth sports. He spent many years volunteering in leadership roles with the Hickory Fountain Green Recreation Council and was inducted to the council's Hall of Fame. He also served in leadership roles with the C. Milton Wright High School Booster's Club and the Brad-Mar-Pine Recreation Council in Pittsburgh.

He could often be seen spending time outdoors with others – whether that was performing maintenance on a baseball field, grilling bratwurst, throwing rocks in the creek with his grandson, helping with projects in the yard, fishing and shooting with his best friend, talking with friends by a bonfire, or playing with his kids and grandkids.

Dick was a loving father and husband. He treasured his family and friends, and always seemed to know just the right thing to do or say to help others.

Dick took pride in his work and a job well done. He looked forward to his retirement in April, doing odd jobs around the house and jet skiing with his best friend.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Schimunek Funeral Home, 610 West MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014. Condolences and memories may be shared at: bit.ly/RichardJensema.

While flowers are welcomed, donations can be made in Dick's honor to Leveling the Playing Field, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic, the National Forest Foundation, or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.