Ruby Evelyn Hensel

Ruby Evelyn Hensel, age 93, a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully entered the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at her home in Arago Township surrounded by her family. Ruby was born October 25, 1921 in Alida, MN near Itasca State Park to Fredrick and Ida (Johnson) Breitweser. Ruby and her family moved from Alida when she was in eighth grade to Park Rapids so she could go to high school. She worked with her parents at the Breitweser café in Park Rapids for two years. Ruby's parents bought a dairy farm just west of Park Rapids. After graduation in 1940, she worked as a milk tester at many northwestern Minnesota farms for DHIA during WWII. This involved staying with the farm family two or three days. At the time, this was considered a "man's" job which only lasted 3-1/2 years. On August 4, 1947 she was united in marriage to Mark O. Hensel at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Park Rapids. This union was blessed with seven sons and four daughters. The young couple engaged in farming in Arago Township where she was a "stay at home wife" mother, and Jack of All Trades. Ruby enjoyed working outdoors, having a big garden, taking care of her children, chickens and cows, and farming. She also enjoyed sewing clothes, knitting, crocheting, and quilting, giving many items away, donating quilts to the Veterans and nursing homes. Ruby was a great cook. People loved her fried chicken, homemade bread, and fresh garden creamed vegetables. She also canned meat, fruit and vegetables, and enjoyed making wine. Ruby was active in St. Mary's Catholic Church and Ladies Guild. She was a state fire warden for 27 years, a member of the Disabled American Veteran's Post #38 Auxiliary, and an honorary member of the FFA. Mom was very proud of being able to rock her children for naps and bedtime. She was "google" before it was invented. Ruby was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. Ruby will be lovingly remembered by her children: Fred of Park Rapids, Ann (David) Zick of Osage, Leo of Park Rapids, Paul (Jennifer) of Lake Havasu, AZ, Lucy (Philip) Bjerke of Fulda, MN, Theodore (Char Vierra) of Park Rapids, Julie (Paul) Pfeifer of Park Rapids, Rita (Will) Hammond of Stacy, MN, Allen (Lisa) of Shevlin, MN, Wade of Park Rapids; 31 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; sister Pearl Bopp of Park Rapids; many nieces and nephews. Ruby was preceded in death by her husband Mark in 1995; infant son John Charles; three grandchildren, Randall Zick, Cameron Hensel and Rebecca Hensel, two brothers, Roy and Clyde Breitweser. Visitation will be held from 5 - 8 PM Friday, March 20, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and one hour preceding services at the church. There will be a Rosary at 7.30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM Saturday, March 21, 2015 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. The casket bearers will be Ruby's children, honorary bearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Interment will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Two Inlets, Becker County, MN. Luncheon will be served immediately following the service. To view the online video or to leave online condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com