Robert Paul'“Bob' Hensler, 26 Apr 1943 - 20 May 2026

HENSLER, ODESSA, COLEMAN

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 5/27/2026 at 14:53:38

A memorial service will be 11:30 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Community Hope Assembly of God Church in Montezuma. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Community Hope Church Youth Mission Fund. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Bob and his family. Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Paul “Bob” Hensler, 83, of rural Brooklyn, Iowa, passed away on May 20, 2026, on a farm he loved. Born on April 26, 1943, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, Bob lived a life marked by hard work, quiet strength, steadfast faith, and deep love for his family and community.

Bob attended Hartwick School and HLV before serving his country in the United States Army for three years. After his military service, he returned home to the life that suited him best — farming and hauling livestock. He was a simple man in the very best sense of the word: reliable, quiet, humble, and steady. The kind of man who showed love not through many words, but through presence, sacrifice, consistency, and work done faithfully every day.

He loved the farm, the livestock, and the life he built there alongside his wife, Karen. He passed while on a farm, next to a barn and a livestock trailer full of cattle. He would not have wanted to go any other way.

A few years ago, Bob gave his life to Jesus Christ, bringing peace and assurance to those who loved him most. His family rejoices in the hope that they will see him again.

Bob is survived by his wife, Karen Odessa (Henry) Hensler; his children, Cheryl and David Coleman, Dwight and Tracy Hensler, and Janyl and Jason Poeffel; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Doris Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Helene Hensler, and his grandson, Benjamin Coleman.

Those who knew Bob will remember his quiet dependability, his deep love for family, and the simple way he moved through life without needing attention or praise. And they will remember that he never said goodbye on the phone. He simply said, “Yep, later.”

Yep, later – Bob

Published in The Gazette on May 25, 2026 and in The Hometown Current on May 27, 2026.