Wilbur (Bill) Charles Hensel Jr. has entered Paradise where he now dwells with his Lord and Savior. He passed from this life to the next on Nov. 19 after an extended illness.

Bill was born on Nov. 17, 1932, to Wilbur Charles and Katherine Rose

(Hoffman) Hensel in Wheatland, Pennsylvania. He was a Jack-of-all-trades

and a master of many. He finished the eighth grade at Grove City School

District and began a four-year apprenticeship with his father at the family business, the Hensel, and Son Garage in Leesburg, where he became a gifted mechanic. He drove truck, was a mechanic, and worked decades as a skilled union carpenter and millwright.

Bill's life and love was centered around his family and friends. He grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that were as close as family, all of whom had a tremendous impact on his life. His childhood was full of love, discipline, and many shenanigans in which he was involved. He met the love of his life, Donna Carol Speer, in 1956, and they were married on November 29, 1957. Bill and Donna made their home in the village of Leesburg, and remained in the home that he built until his passing.

Bill and Donna raised three children: Sharon (Richard) Patterson, Bill

(Rhonda) Hensel, and Jodi Hensel, all of Volant. He has five

grandchildren whom he treasured: Jason (Rachel) Patterson, Benjamin (Elena)Hensel, Chad (Cori) Patterson, Chelsie (Nicholas) Somerfield and Erin Hensel. Bill and Donna also have 10 great-grandchildren: Connor, Alyne, Renee, Landon, Reagan, Addilynn, Aubree, Jack, Grant and Eli. Bill poured out his love and wisdom on his family, and each one was shown a reflection of God's great love and compassion through the life of their father and grandfather.

Bill enjoyed hunting, camping, golfing, and watching sports. He was an avid NASCAR fan and as a young adult, Bill was a successful dirt track race car driver. He raced four nights a week at area dirt tracks with his father and brother serving as his pit crew.

Bill was a proud Army veteran. He served at the end of the Korean conflict and was stationed in Germany.

Bill was a member of the Leesburg ECO Presbyterian Church, where he served as a trustee. He was a faithful neighbor and friend, always available to help. He believed in sharing the gifts God gave him and never said "no" when asked to help someone in need. Bill was a long-time member of the Volant Lions Club. He was also a dedicated member of Hebron Lodge #575 and the Eastern Star Chapter #180, both in Mercer.

Bill was preceded in death by a son, Charles William, and has waited 65

years for their joyous reunion. In addition, he has now reunited in

Paradise with his parents: Bill and Kate; his brothers, Edward (Agnes)

Hensel and Gordon Hensel; his sisters: Geraldine (Emmett) Orr, Janet

Hensel and Patricia (Charles) Latour.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donna, whom he loved more than life itself, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Roberta (Gordon) Hensel, his beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and his many, many friends.

While our hearts are broken, we can also rejoice that Bill has "fought the good fight," he has "finished the race," and he has "kept the faith." II

Tim 4:6-8.

May we all emulate his life well-lived.

Memorial gifts to Shriners Children's Hospital, Attn: Office of

Philanthropy, PO Box 1525, Ransom, WV 25438 or to the Leesburg ECO

Presbyterian Church, 1831 Perry Highway, Volant, Pa 16156.