Ralph E. Hensel

Born July 4, 1949, in Brownsville, Ohio, he was the son of Earl and Thelma (Cline) Helsel.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he served four years as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Hensel retired from General Motors in Mansfield, Ohio, after 34 years of service where he was a steel receiver. He was a member of the Harry Higgins Post 88 of the American Legion, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1067, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a member of the BPO Elks Lodge #1360.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family when he was younger. He was an avid sports fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Indians. He loved watching his grandsons play basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. He loved spending time with them and buying them all the things they enjoyed. He took much pride in making his vehicles look immaculate at all times and he was a true American veteran that loved the American flag and bald eagle symbols.

Surviving are his wife, Lorna Charlene (Knowlton) Hensel; a daughter, Molly Leigh Hensel-LaRue of Ashland; a son, Beau Edward Hensel of Ashland; four grandsons, Nolen William LaRue, Nevin Emmett LaRue, Mylan Edward LaRue, and Hayden Sidney Hensel, all of Ashland; one brother, George (Brenda) Hensel of West Virginia; one brother-in-law, Lorn E. Knowlton Jr. of Ashland; three nephews, Stephen (Kelly), Derek, and Bryan Knowlton; and his precious little Westie, Emily whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Wilma Bauers; mother and father-in-law, Lorn E. and Elva Pearl Knowlton; and a sister-in-law, Linda Marie Knowlton.

At this time of social distancing there will be a private ceremony for the family at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. A memorial service will be held at a later date where full military honors will be conducted by the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard.