Grant H. Sension

Grant Hoffman Sension

Born: June 15, 1928

Died: April 22, 2016

Grant Hoffman Sension, age 87, of McHenry, entered into God's eternity, April 22, 2016, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 15, 1928, in Louisville, KY, to U.S. Grant and Helen (Hoffman) Sension. Grant's early years were spent in India where his parents were missionaries until 1939, when they returned to New London, CT. He completed his undergraduate degree at Houghton College, Houghton, NY; received a Master of Divinity from Northern Baptist Seminary, did post graduate work in Counseling at the University of Chicago and completed his Master's Degree in Guidance & Counseling of Illinois State University where he earned his Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

In June, 1958 he became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Chenoa, IL. Grant considered his time and service in Chenoa to be God's lifelong vocational calling. He also taught math and science and worked as a counselor in the Chenoa School system. Following retirement, he and his wife moved to Berwyn, IL where he served on the Deacon board of the Oak Park Avenue Baptist Church until 2001, when they made McHenry, IL their final home.

Grant enjoyed reading, traveling, remodeling with his son-in-law, Ruben, and serving in church ministries. On a typical morning, Grant could be found at a local coffee shop conversing with locals about current events, politics, work, and life in general. It was one of his ways of getting to know people. Another joy for Grant was getting to know his grandchildren and sharing God's guidance with them.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marita (McSherry) Sension; two daughters, Debra (Steve) Hall, Sherry (Ruben) Arevalo; two sons, Dr. Michael Sension, Scott (Kris) Sension; seven grandchildren, Lindsey and Kyle Hall, Megan, Jacqueline and Joshua Arevalo, Chloe and Ethan Sension; sister, Virginia (the late Walter) Smetana; and two brothers, Donald (Priscilla) Sension and Gordon (Sharon) Sension.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and U.S. Grant Sension; and two sisters, Helen Sension and Mary Jane Wilke.

Memorials can be directed to The First Baptist Church of Chenoa, IL.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 25th, 10:30 am at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2107 W. Lincoln Rd, McHenry, IL.

For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends may leave an on-line condolence message for his family.