Karen Sue Hensel

Karen Sue Hensel, age 71, of Marengo, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Karen was born September 5, 1950 in Elgin, IL to Herbert and Norma Kunde. Karen was a lifetime resident of the Marengo area. She graduated from Marengo High School in 1968. On November 21, 1970 Karen married the love of her life, Robert Hensel. Robert and Karen worked hard to always put family first and loved spending time with their family and friends, as they raised their children in Marengo. Karen worked in the Marengo-Union School District 165 libraries for 31 years, where she took great pride in making the library a welcoming environment for all the students and staff, along with helping to support the athletic programs through booster clubs both at the middle school and the high school. Karen enjoyed reading, chatting with her kind neighbors while taking care of her yard and flower gardens, being outdoors and fishing trips with Robert, cooking for and enjoying family gatherings, family trips to St. Germain, Wisconsin and Orange Beach, Alabama, and attending every sporting event possible for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and even great nieces and nephews. She had many great memories from her many years playing left field in softball leagues, and supporting her family when they played as well. But, there was nothing she loved more than spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her children, Keri (Christopher) Nolen and Bob (Meredith) Hensel; grandchildren, Cade, Cole, and Caelan Nolen, Samuel and Jackson Hensel; siblings, Sharon (David) Ettner, Marsha Kunde, Linda (Dennis) Gieseke, Donna (Richard) Fischer, Dale (Cathi) Kunde, Debra Hogan, Doug (Teresa) Kunde; sisters in law, Mary Kunde, Lori (Robert) Karstensen; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Hensel; son, Kyle Hensel; brother Daryle Kunde; brother in law, Ronald Hogan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 23, 2022 from 4pm to 8pm at Niko's Grill and Pub on Route 20 in Marengo. A private graveside service will take place at a later date. Donations in Karen's name can be made to the Marengo-Union School District 165.