Jacob "Jake" M. Jensen, 16, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Jacob was born on September 6, 2005 to Joseph and Erica ( Royce) Jensen in Elkhart, IN. He was preceded in death by his great grandma, Ellie; great grandpa, Ollie and grandma; grandpa Rosenbaum and great grandpa, Frank.

Jake was survived by his parents, Joseph and Erica both of Elkhart; grandparents, Jeanine Griffith of Elkhart, Byron Griffith of Goshen, Steve Royce of Elkhart and Jody Leers (Jim Eslinger) of Elkhart; great grandmother, Myla Bueche of Longmont, CO ; brothers and sister, Jaxson, Oliver and Bexley and several aunts uncles and cousins.

Jake enjoyed riding his bike and skateboard with his friends. Jake loved going out to the movies especially with his grandma, Jeanine. He was an old soul with a heart of gold. Jake loved talking to people whether he knew them or not and touched the hearts of everyone he met.

Most of all, Jake was a loving big brother to his younger siblings, Jaxson, Oliver and Bexley.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Billings Funeral Home with a prayer service to follow with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

A Child of Mine

"I will lend you, for a little time, A child of mine, He said. For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years, Or twenty-two or three. But will you, till I call him back, Take care of him for Me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And should his stay be brief. You'll have his lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In search for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labour vain. Nor hate me when I come To take him home again? I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!' For all the joys Thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him, Much sooner than we've planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand."