Steven David Gensel

It is with a saddened heart to announce the passing of Steven D. Gensel, 63, on March 28. 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Steven was born on February 5th, 1962, in Royal Oaks, Michigan and grew up in Shickshinny, Pennsylvania.

After graduating from Northwest Area High School in 1980, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard the same year, completing bootcamp at the Cape May New Jersey Coast Guard base. His first station out of bootcamp was on the WMEC 616 Diligence Ship, Key West, Florida. Steve’s Coast Guard career carried duties from Maine to Florida, including two other ship billets, the USCGC Swivel (WYTL-65603) out of Maine, and the USCGC Vigorous (WMEC 627) out of Cape May, NJ. Throughout his career Steve was stationed at multiple billets until his retirement. He retired as a highly decorated Master Chief.

After serving 22.5 years of active duty in the U.S Coast Guard, Steve continued to serve the nation via Coast Guard Civil Service for the next 12 years on the Coast Guard base, Portsmouth. Steve’s additional accommodation includes receiving one of the military’s awards, the Coast Guard Commendation medal. While stationed aboard the Swivel, Steve designed a ginn pole, which allows multi-sectioned day marker supports to be erected quickly and safely. His design was adopted for Coast Guard use. Steve was also responsible for remodeling the interior of the 65-foot vessel and was recognized for his outstanding engineering capabilities amongst other achievements.

Steve is survived and deeply missed by his wife Marie Elena Gensel; his daughter Julanne Charlotte Gensel (Strobbe), and his son-in law Brandon Strobbe. Forever cherished and remembered by his three grandchildren, Zoey, Alexis, and Steven Strobbe. Siblings and their families; Michael Gensel, Ross Gensel and wife Susan, sister-in-law, Eileen Gensel, and two nephews, Patrick and Kyle.

Steve was predeceased by his father, Daniel Leroy Gensel, mother, Lorraine Elizabeth, and brother Tim Gensel.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

We remember him for his infectious smile, for his gift of gab, and leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. We remember him for a voice, that was known for its unique resonating sound, an echoing of Jonny Cash, or the switch up to the big band, keeping the room as lively as his soul. We remember a man who was gifted, talented, honest, and kind. We remember the privilege of being next to a master mechanic and fabricator, knowing we would watch his craftmanship in awe. We will remember seeing the garage door open knowing you could stop by for a chat with Steve. We will remember the 15 years of Halloween parties, incredible costumes, the suit of armor, and the friendships built over the years from these gatherings We will remember your extreme water slides, crazy figures 8’s in the snow, and the hovercraft. We remember the fun times shooting pool, your love of Rush, your jukebox, and professional poker games. We will always remember your title as a Master Rubix Cuber, your constant, “what’s for dinner” antics, to his terrible dad jokes, and for being the life of the party. We will remember a man cared for others like family, his adoring of his canine companions, to his strong will and stubbornness, and wonderful sense of humor. To his love of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to the cowboy hats, the lizard king, go-carting, Star Trek fanatic named Homer. We will always remember his incredible love of cars and the talent to build anything from scratch including his four-post hydraulic lift trailer, 1852 Willy Jeep, 1932 Roadster, Red Camaro, Harley Davidison, and more recently his Sterling.

We will have the privilege to continue his legacy through his stories as “one of the good ones”. Here’s to you Steve, and to you always fixing everything for all of us! Your time was precious, and we thank you. Always one heck of a fighter, we thank you for your strength, you are now sailing on a journey to shores that we cannot see.

In typical Steven fashion, there are no service plans, and certainly no frills. Please join us for one heck of a celebration, in honor of Steve’s love of the Steeler’s, wear Black & Yellow, jeans, T-shirts, or anything else you are comfortable in.

Celebration of Life – Friday, April 11th, 2025

Jax Place

5277 Princess Anne Road, Ste 305

Viriginia Beach, VA

3:00 PM - Parking Lot Located Behind Jax

5:00 PM – Celebration of Life Continues inside with food, pool, karaoke, and community

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to the families GoFundMe page to help in covering financial costs of the loss of their loved one.

Fair winds and following seas. R.I.P. Steve, you stand relieved, we now have the watch.

His remains will be sent off to sea following his Celebration of Life