KENOSHA, Wis. – The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission has named Sir Robert E. Ibsen as the 2025 Hometown Hero for the second quarter. He was recognized during the July 7 Common Council meeting for his exemplary military service and lifelong contributions to the Kenosha community.
Ibsen, now 97, served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of Chief Personnelman (E-7). His service spanned from June 11, 1946, to July 10, 1967, including shipboard assignments aboard a minesweeper patrol craft, the USS Piedmont, and the USS Floyd B. Parks. He deployed twice to the Western Pacific during conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
His awards include the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Vietnam. He also earned a letter of commendation from the assistant secretary of defense and was honored with the Good Conduct Medal with five stars.
Beyond his military career, Ibsen has remained a steadfast community leader. He is the oldest active member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Navy Club and served as a Scout Executive for the Kenosha Boy Scouts. His involvement with the Danish Brotherhood spans decades, culminating in his service as national president. For his efforts, he was knighted by the Queen of Denmark and, along with his wife Elaine, was formally titled “Sir Robert” and “Lady Elaine” after helping secure a new home for the Brotherhood following the loss of its original building.
The commission praised Ibsen for his dedication, calling him a model of service and leadership whose legacy extends far beyond the military.
The Hometown Heroes program, launched in 2015, honors those with ties to Kenosha who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and demonstrated extraordinary achievement and community impact.
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3 Responses
Someone should do a book on him
The Mayor should possibly consider stopping in S.J. Crystal’s and speak to Lewis Aceto about tailored slacks as opposed to buying cheap suits off the rack.
We all know how much he admires photo ops, he should learn to dress to impress.
Between the money he and his wife rake in off the taxpayers of Kenosha, can’t he support a local downtown business that will teach him how to dress professionally? Mr. Aceto will do that for him, then his slacks won’t be to long. He has that look as though he sleeps in his clothes.
Maybe while he’s at it, he can get Sam a hairbrush