Longtime Boston Resident Harold 'Butch' R. Jensen Dies at 87

Jensen was a U.S. Army veteran and longtime truck driver who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Harold 'Butch' R. Jensen, an 87-year-old resident of Boston, New York, passed away on February 18, 2026. Jensen was born in Lackawanna in 1938 and had a long career as a truck driver, including working for several companies such as Fisher Trucking, Wittmeyer Trucking, Conley Trucking, and Wonder Bread. He was also a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the AMVETS Post 219 in Boston. Jensen enjoyed hobbies like hunting, fishing, and gardening, and was a long-time member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.

Why it matters

Jensen's passing marks the end of an era for the Boston community, as he was a longtime resident and active member of several local organizations. His life and career as a truck driver highlight the importance of the transportation industry in the region, while his military service and community involvement demonstrate the value of civic engagement.

The details

Jensen was born in Lackawanna, New York in 1938 to William and Lanore Jensen. He attended local schools, including Boston Grade School, Springville-Griffith Institute, and Hamburg High School. After graduating, Jensen worked for his father as a horse trainer before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957. He was stationed in Oklahoma and Germany, where he had the opportunity to meet Elvis Presley. Jensen was honorably discharged in 1963 and went on to have a long career as a truck driver, working for several companies in the region. He was married twice, first to Lois E. Reisch, who passed away in 1985, and then to Joyce E. Thurber, who passed away in 2025.

  • Jensen was born on December 1, 1938 in Lackawanna, New York.
  • He attended Boston Grade School from 1944-1950, Springville-Griffith Institute until 1952, and Hamburg High School until 1955.
  • Jensen was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957 and was stationed in Oklahoma and Germany, where he met Elvis Presley.
  • He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1963.
  • Jensen passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 87.

The players

Harold 'Butch' R. Jensen

An 87-year-old resident of Boston, New York who had a long career as a truck driver and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Lois E. Reisch

Jensen's first wife, who passed away in 1985.

Joyce E. Thurber

Jensen's second wife, who passed away in 2025.

William Jensen

Jensen's father, with whom he worked as a horse trainer in his early years.

Lanore Jensen

Jensen's mother.

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The takeaway

Jensen's life and career highlight the important role that transportation and logistics played in the Boston and Western New York region, as well as the value of community involvement and civic engagement. His passing marks the end of an era for the local community.