Obituary of Andre Jensen

Andre Jensen was born on August 10, 1935, to Christian AG and Constance Jensen in Ardmore, PA. Andre was the long awaited 3rd child, he joined Kathryn and Christian "Pierre". They grew up in the Ardmore area. Christian remarried after his wife's death to Olga Lebec, and their family grew to include Christian "Skipper", Anne, and David. Andre graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1954. He did two tours of duty with the air-force, he was stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas. My Dad told me he learned about jazz from is friends in the air-force, it remained his favorite musical genre. He also loved the 1812 overture, Dave Brubeck and Andre Rieu. After he completed his service Andre attended college on the GI bill at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Andre graduated and received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1961. After graduating Andre began a job with Western Electric. They sent him to Europe, where he lived for several years working with the department of defense on installation of the Nike missiles. In 1966 a friend introduced him to Birte in Worms, Germany, he thought they should meet because they had the same last name, Jensen. Andre and Birte dated for several years and were married in 1968, in Los Angeles California. They drove cross country for their Honeymoon, and settled in Burlington, North Carolina. In 1970 their daughter Noelle was born and two years later in 1972 their son Christian arrived. In 1973 Andre's job transferred them to Morris Plains, NJ. Andre was working with Bell Labs, he continued to work with Bell Labs in NJ, and was eventually absorbed into AT&T. He spent a couple of years working in New York City, before moving to their headquarters in Basking Ridge, NJ. Andre received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1979. Andre began jogging in his 40's and joined the North American Butterfly Association. Andre has always been passionate about nature, protecting the environment and working to improve his community. Andre was a member of the Whippany River Action Committee, he spent time on the Morris Plains Planning Board as well as working at the Morris County Recycling Center. After retiring from AT&T and a later part time position at First Morris Bank, Andre really enjoyed spending time at the recycling center on Saturday mornings. He was honored there by Andy's "work bench" a work station created for him so that he would have somewhere to sit. Andre spent many happy Saturday mornings taking things apart and interacting with those who came in to the recycle center. The week before he passed away he took apart our washing machine (which had stopped working) and brought the recyclable components up to the center. He loved to have something to do, it was what gave his life purpose and meaning. Andre loved good wine, cheese and dark chocolate. He especially enjoyed Birte's chocolate mousse, and is pictured last Christmas enjoying it! Andre has always valued his family above all things. As his Dad aged he spent as much time as he could in Pennsylvania spending time, and helping to care for him. Andre enjoyed coaching his kids soccer teams when they were younger. He was a wonderful father, always there ready to read a book or play a game. Some of my best memories of my father are walks we took in the woods around our home both as a child and later as a young adult before his MS progressed and made hiking too challenging. Andre loved both of his grandchildren Soren, and Margaux, seeing them grow brought him great joy. In the last couple of years Andre has attended Trinity Lutheran Church with Birte, he appreciated his weekly interactions with the congregation. Andre is survived by two of his siblings Christian"Pierre" Jensen, and Anne Webb. His wife Birte, Christian and his wife Elizabeth, their daughter Margaux, Noelle and her son Soren as well as 12 nephews and nieces. The Jensen family is concerned about the health and well-being of those they love and wish to keep funeral services private at this time. We ask that you keep Andy’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.