Robert A. Hensel

Robert A. “Bob” Hensel, 79, of Strasburg, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Born on December 9, 1946, in Dover, Bob was the son of the late Cletus and Kathryn (Mosher) Hensel. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Deuker, Mary Malcuit, Betty Flatley, Diane Harper, Mildred Davis, and his brother, Gene Hensel.

A 1964 graduate of Strasburg High School, Bob began his career at Cummins Diesel in Strasburg. He later served as service manager at Columbus Equipment in Cadiz before founding RH Equipment in Strasburg, which he operated for many years with the help of his sons. Seeking a new challenge, he worked for International Service and Rental in Nassau, Bahamas. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he and his wife, Rita, returned to the United States, settling in Florida where Bob worked as equipment manager for Swell Construction until his retirement in 2015 after a 51-year career. Bob was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Strasburg, where he served on council and as an usher. He remained active in the community as a member of the Strasburg Lions Club and as Worshipful Master of the former Cypress Lodge #604 F & AM in Strasburg. An outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed golf, motorcycle riding, boating, and camping. He and Rita were members of the Buckeye Bacon Burners and the Swiss Wheelers, and he even gave country line dancing a try.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita (Fishel) Hensel, whom he married on August 21, 1964; sons, Bob (Shelly) Hensel of Tappen Lake and Rick (Robin) Hensel of Centerburg; siblings, Bill Hensel of Strasburg, Wanda Wells of Columbus, and Carol Murphy of Dover; grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Mann, Clete (Kristen) Hensel, Magie (Tanner) Leyda, Rhett (Amanda) Hensel, and Reed (Dana) Hensel; great-grandchildren, Brant, Ross, and Riley; brother-in-law, Jim Harper; and sister-in-law, Vina Hensel, both of Strasburg.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Strasburg. Private graveside services will be held at a later date in Grandview Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Strasburg Booster Club, 140 North Bodmer Ave., Strasburg, Ohio 44680.