Walter Cecil Hensel, 86, of Park Rapids passed away Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 at Vibra Hospital in Fargo, N.D. He was born Jan. 30, 1931 to Rudolph and Frances (Christlieb) Hensel at the Hensel homestead in Osage Township, Becker County, Minn. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith. He attended country school close to his home and graduated from the eighth grade. Following graduation, he helped his family on the farm. He was in the Army serving his country during the Korean War, stationed in Japan and Korea from February 1952 until his honorable discharge in January 1954. In 1955, he married Florence G. Amundson in Park Rapids. They made their home in the Park Rapids area until purchasing their farm in Osage Township in 1961. On this farm, they raised dairy cattle, chickens, pigs, crops and their eight children. In the mid-1980s he sold the dairy cattle. Besides farming Walter also worked outside the home to provide for his family. Through the years, he worked as a milk truck driver, planer at Noeske Lumber, carpenter with Gene Hosner Construction, worked at Wilkins Feed Store, made cement blocks at Rockcrete Concrete in Park Rapids and was self-employed as a logger with his son Roger. In 1991 he retired full-time because of back problems. Walter enjoyed watching wildlife, deer hunting, sitting on his porch enjoying the fresh air and waving at the neighbors as they drove past, visiting with family and friends, and walking his companion (dog) Bingo. He was a member of the American Legion, NRA and in 2016 became a full member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence G. Hensel; eight children, Joe (Natalie) of Sebeka, Roger (Linda) of Osage, Russ (Angi) of Nevis, Evon, Darryl, Cathy, Duane (Missi) and Greg (Sheila) all of Park Rapids; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; siblings Marian Snelling, Willis and John Hensel all of Park Rapids, Sharon Yliniemi of Detroit Lakes, Lorraine Wilmes of Menahga, and Shirley DeMaris of Babbitt; sisters-in-law Betty and Virginia Hensel of Park Rapids and brothers-in-law Vernon Amundson of Mankato and Charles Amundson of Malden, Mass.; also numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Marvin, Donald and Lloyd; sister, Dorothy Amundson; six sisters-in-law and seven brothers-in-law. Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service and time for sharing at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour before the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Feb.24 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Tony Fernando and Deacon John Zinniel officiating. Annette Haas will be the song leader and accompanist. Casketbearers: Josh Weiss, Andy Hensel, Alex Hensel, Ben Hensel, Jamie Berger, Dusty Berger, Jeremiah Potter and Rob Lopez. Honorary Casketbearers: His grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Burial at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Cemetery with military honors by the Star of the North Marine Corps League. Ray Vaadeland and Andy Hensel will play Taps.