July
1, 1927 - Jan. 14, 2009SOUTH BEND - Alvin E. "Boots" Hensler, 81, of South Bend, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, in Hospice House, South Bend. He was born on July 1, 1927, in South Bend, to the late Louis and Martha (Temple) Hensler, and was a lifelong area resident. On February 27, 1948, he married Joanne Seaver, who survives. Along with his wife of 60 years, Boots is survived by his daughter, Sue Ann Mujahid of Fort Worth, TX; his son, Ronald (Gloria) Hensler of Melbourne, FL; eight grandchildren, Ronald Hensler Jr., Andrea (Ron) Brogle, Jennifer Rojas, Carlos, Antonio and Joanna Alvizo, John III and Kendrick Lipkins; 12 great-grandchildren, Cassandra, Jonathan and Ulices Alvizo, Juan C. Jr., Anna, Brian and Carla Rojas, Cyler and Mia Claire Brogle, Jontai, La'Lianna and Kendrick Jr. Lipkins; and by a sister-in-law, Barbara Hensler of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert L. Hensler. Mr. Hensler worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation in maintenance for over 40 years before retiring in 1989. He was a WWII United States Army veteran, a member of V.F.W. #8748 and Shirks Michiana Music for L.I.F.E. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the family residence on Saturday, January 17, 2009, from 1 to 4 PM. Kaniewski Funeral Homes, South Bend, is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the World War II Memorial Fund, P.O. 96766, Washington, D.C. 20090-6766. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.