Lisa Ann Hensel

Lisa Ann (Whiteside) Hensel, 67, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away Sunday, June 15,
2025, in her sleep at her residence. Lisa was diagnosed with dementia in the spring of
2021. She became a permanent resident of The Cottages at Heritage Manor in Park
Rapids, MN, in October, 2021.
Lisa was born on July 3, 1957, in Peoria, IL, to Fred and Claralene (Iles) Whiteside. As
a child, Lisa would travel to Park Rapids, MN, to visit her grandparents, William and Ada
Mae Iles at their lakeside resort, Birch Harbor. She attended schools in Peoria, IL, and
graduated from Peoria High School in 1975. Shortly after, Lisa married and began
raising her family. On September 1, 1983, Lisa's sister Julie and her husband Raymond
died in a car accident, leaving behind their three young children. Lisa did not hesitate to
adopt her late sister's children, thereby doubling her young family in size. She devoted
her life to raising all six children as her own.
In 1991, Lisa and her family moved to Park Rapids, MN, and within a year, purchased
Birch Harbor Resort. They operated Birch Harbor for six years before moving to a
beautiful home they built on Lake Emma where she would reside through the high
school graduations of all six children.
Wherever Lisa lived, she grew a garden. Being surrounded by nature suited her best.
She planted many things over the years but her summer flower beds were her favorite.
Lisa also thrived in her kitchen. She loved hosting family gatherings both large and
small. She was skilled at cooking for a crowd. Lisa especially enjoyed her grandchildren
and the summer cousins camps she hosted were a seasonal highlight. She loved
having a large family. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. Lisa had a big
personality and an even bigger heart. Her family will forever be her brightest joy.
Whether it was her plants or her people, Lisa deeply loved nurturing others, tending to
them, and proudly watching them grow.
She will be lovingly remembered by her 6 children: Lucas Nisius of Midland, TX, Rachel Nisius
of Park Rapids, MN, Lori Mier of Rockingham, VA, Brandon (Elizabeth) Nisius of
Park Rapids, MN, Emily (Kris) Johnson of Stillwater, MN, and Michael (Kimberly)
Nisius of Fargo, ND; parents Fred and Claralene Whiteside; 6 siblings;
17 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by 2 siblings: Julie and Jimmy; and her niece Michelle.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at St. Peter the Apostle
Catholic Church in Park Rapids with a visitation an hour prior. A visitation will also be
held Monday, July 7, 2025, at Cease Funeral Home in Park Rapids from 5-7 PM. A
rosary lead by Father David Whiteside will conclude the visitation on Monday.