Herbert Harry Hensel

Herbert H. Hensel - 08/08/1931 – 03/10/2023

Herbert Hensel went home to be with the Lord on March 10, 2023, at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, CA, after a month-long struggle with complications from Covid-19. Herb is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marian “Jean” Hensel, son Donald Hensel of Metairie, Louisiana, daughter Barbara (Kevin) Narramore of Thousand Oaks, and three nieces, a nephew, and their families. He was preceded in death by his father Walter Hensel, mother Florence, and sister Edith (Chuck) Vester, all of Buffalo, New York.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree at The University of Buffalo (SUNY-Buffalo), Dad went on to receive his M.S. in Education at Wagner College in Staten Island, NYC. Following graduation, he served in the Army for two years, then he taught in Buffalo for two years. He moved to Los Angeles in 1958, completing two years of doctoral studies at UCLA. When asked about his reason for moving west, he simply said: “I hate snow.” He began attending Trinity Baptist Church, where he met a tall, beautiful woman in the youth group named Jean, who would later become his wife. He said that she was “the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Dad dedicated his life to instructing the next generations in math and science. After beginning his teaching career at George Washington Preparatory School in L.A., he moved to Hale Junior High School in Woodland Hills, CA. Dad was known as a strict--but fair—teacher who faithfully prepared his students for further success. To better reach them, he regularly attended conferences pertaining to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). His 35mm camera captured many slides which were thereafter incorporated into his classroom instruction. A bout with vertigo caused him to seek early retirement, but once his health stabilized, he continued to serve as a substitute teacher for several decades.

After our family relocated to Thousand Oaks in 1969, we joined the Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church, where we attended and regularly served over the years. Dad served as an usher for many years and helped prepare for the church’s famous “Western Deep Pit Bar-B-Que”, which was once a favorite meal and church fundraiser at Conejo Valley Days. His regular church attendance and faithful support led his children to also accept and serve the Lord.

Dad’s passion was exploring the outdoors, where his interest in geology and earth sciences motivated him to take his family every summer to visit many different National Parks in the Western United States. We slept in the great outdoors in sleeping bags (without a tent!), and we saw many beautiful sights that declared the glory of God! Only once or twice did we need to relocate indoors on account of rainy weather.

A man of integrity, Dad was strong, wise, honest and direct. He had a whimsical side and would laugh uproariously if a joke struck his funny bone. Family members remember Dad for his abiding faithfulness to our Mom—through thick and thin—including caring for her during many health challenges. His one regret will likely be that he left this earth before her. We saw our Dad model many fine attributes of our Heavenly Father, including His presence, protection, provision, encouragement and forgiveness.

The Celebration of Life for Herb Hensel will be held on Monday, April 17th at 11:00 am at the Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church, 1000 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360. We welcome friends to join us for a luncheon at the church following the service.

Memorial Donations may be made in Herb’s name to Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church.