Mr. Einar Raymond (Jenks) Jenstrom

Einar Raymond (Jenks) Jenstrom of Murray, Kentucky died on December 18, 2023, at the age of 95. He is survived by Shirley, his loving wife of 67 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Gertrude, and his brother Col. Eino Emil Jenstrom – Ret: U.S.A.F. and his wife Jean, and their daughter, Linda Jenstrom.

Surviving are his wife Shirley, daughter Sandra (Patrick Uszler) with girls:  Lindsey (Gerardo Mendoza), with Great Grandson Carson, Allison (Michael Rafferty), with Great Grandsons Jaden and Nolan, Great Granddaughter Brooke, and Sarah Uszler. Also, son Del (Patrice) with boys: Iver (Karla Rosales Lobo), Lieutenant Ian, and Kai. Also, niece, Kathleen (Bill Crumpton) in New Mexico.

Einar was born on December 3, 1928, the year his parents opened a family operated full-service grocery store in Waukegan, IL.  He commuted to Lake Forest College, IL receiving a degree in Economics.  Einar continued his part-time assistance in the family retail business until the death of his father in 1960.  He was drafted (24 months) into an Army Amphibious Unit, in Dec. 1950, during the Korean Conflict.  He elected to leave service in Dec. 1952 as Staff Sergeant.

In 1954 he accepted an inside-sales assignment with the Metallurgical Division of Fansteel Inc., in North Chicago, IL, producers of 4 refractory metals (tantalum (Ta), niobium, tungsten, molybdenum).  He concentrated (acquiring, as he says, an ‘uncertified degree’) in the production, fabrication and marketing of the element tantalum, which is sold primarily to the electronic and chemical industries.

In 1963 he accepted a field sales position in N.J. Three years later he took responsibility for marketing of Ta fabricated chemical equipment, designed and produced in a company plant in California.  He held a patent for welding of a tri-metal explosively bonded, Ta/copper/steel, for lined vessels.

Having moved to Murray in 1990 he developed a love for the town and the people. He was on the planning commission, a Chamber Ambassador, active in the Lion’s club and an active member of Emanuel Lutheran church. He spoke highly of the time that he was asked to lecture at Murray State, regarding the resources of Ta ore.

A funeral service will be held at, 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murray, Kentucky with Pastor Josh Reifsteck officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2023, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. An additional visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Murray, Kentucky.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 100 South 15th Street Murray, KY 42071.

Einar wrote:  I appreciated and thank those who helped me over these years; one who kept us in vehicles, one who kept my electronics working, and three others whenever I needed help.

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com