Deacon James Hensel passed on from this life on July 6, 2023, at the age of 95. Deacon Hensel is survived by his beloved wife, Sophie.
Deacon Hensel was born July 17, 1927, and was ordained to the permanent diaconate on April 25, 1976, serving 47 years as a permanent deacon. Deacon Hensel served at St. Theodore of Canterbury Parish, Westland from April 26, 1976, until his retirement of June 30, 2016. He also served as a chaplain at Angela Hospice of Livonia for 15 years.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Deacon Hensel married Sophie Colton on Oct. 14, 1950, and they were married for 72 years until his passing. James and Sophie moved to the Detroit area, Royal Oak and then Westland and had three children of their own, David, Barry and Chris.
Deacon Hensel’s visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 12, from 4-8 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m., at St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Catholic Church, 8200 N. Wayne Road, Westland, MI 48185.
Deacon Hensel’s funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, July 13, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Catholic Church, 8200 N. Wayne Road, Westland, MI 48185. In state will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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