MADISON - Brigadier General Ralph C. “Bud” Jensen, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. He was born on April 28, 1931, in Oshkosh, the son of Clarence and Isabel (Bathke) Jensen.

Bud graduated from Madison East High School in 1949 and UW-Madison in 1958. He was united in marriage to Donna Mae Gauntlett on Feb. 26, 1955, in Madison, Wis.

Bud was a fighter pilot and worked for the Wisconsin Air Guard for 38 years. He served as Chief of Safety and State Director of Operations before his appointment as Chief of Staff in 1985. He was a command pilot with more than 5,500 hours flying time in 13 different aircraft, from propellor-driven observation planes to jet fighters and refueling tankers. Bud was a member of the 176th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, EAA, and Chairman of the State Council of Aeronautics.

Bud enjoyed playing golf, fishing, spending time at his cottage, and most importantly spending time with his family.

Bud is survived by his wife, Donna Mae; daughter, Holly (Daniel) Jackson; sons, Steve Jensen and David (Sue) Jensen; grandsons, Jacob Jackson, Nathan Jackson, Matthew Jensen and Joseph Jensen; and granddaughters, Jessica Jensen, Kristina (Jesse) Greenhagen and Michelle Jensen. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Memorials may be made to the family. A special thank you to Agrace Hospice Care and his nurse, Ami, for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Brigadier General Ralph "Bud" Charles Jensen

April 28, 1931 - December 22, 2023

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