Corliss V Jensen

Corliss V. Jensen, 98, of Medford, died Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Aspirus Medford Care and Rehab Center while under the care of hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Medford United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place from 9:30am until the time of the service at 11am.

Corliss was born on October 17, 1924, to Anna and Lee Jensen in Janesville, Wisconsin. He attended Dorchester High School and graduated valedictorian. He received a bachelor of Naval Science degree from Notre Dame University and received his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration and law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He served active duty with the US Navy from 1943-1947 and Naval Reserve from 1947-1953. In addition to being a lawyer in Medford for almost 70 years, he served with the Wisconsin National Guard from 1953-1968, was active duty from 1961-1962, and was a retired lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserve.

He married Betty J. Johnson in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1950. Together they raised two children in Medford. Betty passed away in 1994. He married Shirley Werner in 2008.

Corliss was very active in the community, having served on many boards throughout his lifetime including the Lions, United Way and the Medford Development Foundation. He, along with others, was instrumental in the founding of Memorial Hospital of Taylor County. He was one of the original founders of Black River Country Club and served on their board of directors since 1969. He was also a long-term member of the United Methodist Church and was chairman of the building committee for the present church building on Allman Street. In 1997, Corliss received the Medford Chamber Lifetime award and in 2002 he was recognized by the Wisconsin Bar Association for 50 years of law practice. (He finally cleaned out his office at the law firm in 2021!)

He was an active hunter, golfer, skier, outdoors enthusiast and enjoyed traveling both in the US and abroad. Corliss is survived by his wife Shirley Werner, children Brian Jensen (Medford) and Karey Jensen (Eden Prairie, MN), grandson Evan C. Jensen (Andover, MN), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Verlin Jensen.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Aspirus Medford Care and Rehab Center and Aspirus Hospice. 

Memorials can be sent to either the Medford United Methodist Church or the Aspirus Medford Foundation.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

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