Kenneth William Hensey

Kenneth W. “Kenny” Hensey, 84 of Devils Lake formerly of Lakota, ND died on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake in the loving care of his family. Mass of Christian Burial for Kenny will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Fr. Peter Sharpe celebrating the Mass. Graveside Services will be held at the Lakota Cemetery on Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. with Military Honors accorded by the Rundell-Hollicky Post #21, Lakota American Legion and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Honorary Bearers for Kenny will be Don Mootz, Lynn Schroeder, Clifford “Shine” Zimmer, John Burke, Cody Smith, Chaun Foughty, Keith Kurtz, Randy Bakke, Don Sloan, Tom Culmer, Don Axtman, Vern “Red” Beauchane, Maurice Barton and Fred Smith. A special thanks to the staff of Heartland Care Center for your wonderful care to our father and grandfather, Kenny and for your support and concern for all of us. God bless you. Kenneth William Hensey was born May 10, 1925 in Lakota, ND, the son of Fred and Irene (McGee) Hensey. He was raised on the edge of Lakota on a dairy and grain farm. He graduated from Lakota High School in 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country during World War II in the Pacific and Atlantic Theatres. During this time, Kenny was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Mahoney in San Francisco, California. After his honorable discharge, they returned to North Dakota and made their home in Lakota. Kenneth farmed with his son, Steven for many years, then semi-retired and moved to Lakewood, rural Devils Lake in 1975. Kenny enjoyed every day living near the lake and most outdoor hobbies, including his bird watching. He moved to Devils Lake in 2006 and lived with their daughter, Sherry. Farming stories and reminiscing about the days past was always enjoyed. He especially enjoyed spending time with his friends, family and his only granddaughter, Jamie and he will be missed by those who shared in his life. Kenny will be remembered for his sense of humor, for his smile, handshake and his hugs. Kenny was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakota and was now a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake. He was a 50 year member of the Rundell-Hollicky #21 American Legion Post, Lakota, Devils Lake Elks Club and a life member of the Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Those who shared in Kenneth’s life-his daughter, Sherry Kurtz, Devils Lake, son, Steven K. Hensey and his wife, Sharon, Lakota; granddaughter, Jamie M. Smith and her husband, Cody, Bismarck; great grandson, Ethan Kenneth Smith and great granddaughter, Gweneth Jean Smith; Brother-In-Law: Dr. Jack Mahoney in Africa. The California nieces and nephews also survive and were very special to Kenneth; Family pets, Theodore and Mitzi. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Bonnie on June 13, 2006; parents; sister-in-law, Myra Kabeary and many special friends.