DONALD N. HENSEL

Donald N. Hensel Donald N. Hensel, 85, passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, in Winfield, Ill. Don was born on the family farm on Hawthorne Lane and always called West Chicago home. Growing up close to the high school allowed him to get up shortly before class, grab a homemade biscuit fresh from the oven, hop a fence and get to class on time. He was married on Aug. 26, 1950, to his hometown love, Mary Ann Heinz, and together they built a strong marriage and family while having five children. He had a busy life - serving in the Army Air Force from 1944 to 1945, and being called back to active duty during the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1951. During his 'downtime' from the service, he worked for the West Chicago Post Office, where he recalled delivering mail twice a day to the south side of town. He particularly enjoyed meeting the helicopter at Reed Park to pick up the air mail. In 1956, Don went to work at Kawneer (Alumax) Aluminum and retired after 31 years, as manager of purchasing and inventory control. Don served as a Winfield Township trustee from 1973 to 1977, and Winfield Township clerk from 1977 to 1985. In 1982, Don was elected State Representative of the 50th District and served from 1983 to 1993. One of his biggest accomplishments while in Springfield was working with Mayor Rennels and the residents of West Chicago to secure the cleanup of Kerr McGee. Though that would signal a retirement to some, Don was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to be a director on the Illinois International Port District and served on that board until August 1998. He was a member of the West Chicago Lions Club from 1995 to the present, serving in different offices. He was also voted as 'Citizen of the Year' in 1998. Don served as a trustee for the West Chicago Fire Protection District from 2001 until the present. He was also a past commander of the American Legion and spent many hours on projects for the West Chicago American Legion, including the treasure hunts and fish fries. Don, and his wife, Mary Ann, did enjoy some traveling after retirement, but mostly they enjoyed spending time with the family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Steven (Cathi), Jim (Barb) and Rick; daughter, Dona (Phil) Smith and daughter-in-law, Linda; grandchildren, Michael Hensel, Katie Hensel, Bree (Chris) Jorgensen, Brandi Kubajak, Sarah Hensel, Dawn Chorobik, Kristen Paris, Eric Chorobik, Britt Hensel and Matt Hensel; and brothers, Wayne (Cheryl) Hensel, Bob (Jeanne) Hensel and sister, Marion (Wayne) Talley. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, great-stepgrandchildren and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, David Hensel; his parents, Art and Edna Hensel; and brother, Willard Hensel. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29, at the Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St. (one block north of Washington St. and Main), West Chicago. His funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 160 N. Oakwood, West Chicago, with burial in Calvary Cemetery in West Chicago. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary's Church, 140 N. Oakwood, West Chicago, IL 60185 or a charity of your choice. For information, 630-231-0060 or please sign the guest book at www.norriswalensegertfh.com.