Donald Paul HENSEL

HENSEL, ARENDS, SCHAEFER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/8/2010 at 20:55:58

Belmond Independent, Iowa
June 6, 2001

Donald Paul Hensel, 79, died suddenly Tuesday, June 5, 2001, at his home in Alexander. Funeral services were held Friday, June 8, at Immanuel United Church of Christ at Latimer with Rev. Jeff Long officiating. Interment was at the Alexander Cemetery near Alexander. Military rites were at the graveside by Hansen-Have Post 658. Music was provided by Roger Mollenbeck, organist; Dave Dahlgren, vocalist. Honorary bearer was Christie Hensel. Casket bearers were Andy Hensel, Vic Steding, Lindsey Hensel, Clayton Crawford, Allison Hensel, Marlin Hopkey.

Donald Paul Hensel, the son of Oscar W. and Marie E. (Arends) Hensel, was born September 15, 1921, at Alexander. He attended and graduated from the Alexander High School. He entered the United States Army during WWII and served from 1942 until 1946, including a campaign in northern France at Normandy Beach. Donald was united in marriage to Mabryn "Connie" Schaefer at Lake Park, on April 21, 1946. They made their home in Oelwein where Don owned and operated a service station. In 1948 they moved to Alexander where they purchased a grocery store. He and his two brothers started an egg produce and trucking company. Later he became active in farming and continued to operate the trucking company. He enjoyed time at the family cabin on Ten Mile Lake, MN, fishing, and boating. Donald was a member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Latimer where he served as Deacon and Elder.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Oscar and Marie; his wife, Connie; and a brother, Ed. Survivors are his sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Diane Hensel of Alexander, Mark and Marci Hensel of Monticello, WI; grandchildren, Andy, Christie, Lindsey and Allison Hensel; a brother, Carroll Hensel of Stockton, IL.