Louis R. Hengesbach

Louis R. Hengesbach Our gentle and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 8, 2010. He was born on August 11, 1927 in Westphalia, MI, the son of Louis and Elizabeth (Miller) Hengesbach. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sr. Angelica (Ruth) Hengesbach; and brother-in-law, Robert Platte. He is survived by Evelyn, his dedicated wife of 58 years and 14 children, all of whom reside within 7 miles of the family homestead: Adel (Dale) Beachnau, LuAnn (Dave) Simon, Jody (Steve) Simon, Krisie (Steve) Thelen, Warren (Dicksie), Ruth (Joe) Schueller, Louis II (Mary Jane), Lisa (Terry) Nurenberg, Bill (LeAnn), Bob (Paula), Maria (Bill) Willard, Amy (Bruce) Cook, Andy (Stephanie), Brian (Dawn); 41 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way; brothers, Robert (Harriet), Ted (Rose Marie); sisters-in-law, Arlene Koster, Mary Ellen (Elvan) Pohl, Beverly Platte, Gladys (Robert) Bengel, Diane (Bill) Thelen; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Louis was a member of St. Mary Parish, Westphalia. He was a retired life long dairy farmer, DeKalb Seed dealer, Board Member of Westphalia Telephone Co., Member of St. Joseph Society, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus. His joy was his grandchildren and spending time with the family at Chippewa Lake; he expressed his love for the Christmas season decorating the homestead since 1938. Louis enjoyed the Detroit Tigers, listening to Ernie Harwell, playing cards, bird watching, love of animals, yard work and Sunday dinners with his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Conlon at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at st. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., both Monday and Tuesday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St.. The Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m. both days. Contributions will be made to the Westphalia Fire Department, and Hospice of Lansing/Ionia Area Hospice in memory of Louis. Arrangements are entrusted to Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland, MI. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com.