Mark Allen Hensel fondly known as “Papa Bear”, 58, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home on June 8, 2021 in Apopka, Florida with his wife by his side. Mark valiantly fought Stage 4 cancer metastasized to the brain.
Celebration of Life services will be held 12 noon on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Apopka 441 S. Highland Avenue Apopka, Florida. Graveside service will follow at Highland Memory Garden. Luncheon with the family following graveside will be at the church.
Mark was born in Woodstock, Illinois to Arthur and Shirley Hensel on August 7, 1962. Mark moved to Apopka in 1968 where he attended Lovell Elementary, Lockhart Middle School, and Apopka High School. Mark married Donna Lee Worthley on November 14, 1987 in Orange City, Florida. Mark and Donna Lee were married for 33 years. Mark worked as a Gardener Specialist with Walt Disney World until his retirement after 35 years on May 31, 2021. Mark belonged to the First Baptist Church of Apopka where he served as a deacon, volunteered at Next Step Ministry and Bread of Life serving the homeless, served in the Deaf Ministry, and was on the church security team. Mark volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for 18 years serving in various positions in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Mark, also, volunteered with the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council. Mark served many roles with the Teague Middle School and Lake Brantley High School marching bands.
Mark is preceded in death by his mother Shirley Hensel and son Joshua Allen Hensel.
Mark is survived by his wife Donna Lee Hensel, his daughter Amanda Childers and son-in-law Jesse, his father Art Hensel, sister Debi Schutte and husband Chris, brother Bill Hensel, brother Paul Hensel and wife Renee, grandchildren Madison and Jonathan, In laws George and Judith Worthley, sister in law Roberta Worthley, brother in law Bill Worthley and wife Leslie, Kim Hensel and son Jacob Jimmerson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Service
Service
First Baptist Church of Apopka
441 S Highland Ave, Apopka, FL 32703
12:00pm
Graveside
Highland Memory Gardens
3329 East Semoran Blvd, Apopka, Florida 32703
1:00pm
Kim Hensel says
Rest in peace Mark…you are gone far too soon. You were and are loved by many…rest easy brother.
anne says
It is so hard to believe you are in heaven and not here with all the people that loved you! My condolences to all!
Carmen Pino says
S.I.P Mr.Mark AKA (Girlfriend) . He used to call me that every time we went on a camping trip for Girl Scouts. I would always smile and go hug him and Mrs. Donna. God blessed me in my life by putting you both in it & I can’t thank you enough for everything you have ever done for me . I loved him like a Father or someone I could always go to. I would get so excited to go to the camp outs and fun activities because he was always there . Now I will honor him and the memories by having flashbacks And being there for Mrs. Donna ❤️I love you both to the moon and beyond !
Peggy & Kevin Bressman says
Donna and Family, Our deepest condolences for the loss of Mark. Please take comfort in that he is in the arms of our Lord Jesus. Our prayers are with you all.
Kathryn Stinbrink says
Your unending faith and uplifting spirit will remain with of those you have left behind. Your loved ones will keep you alive in their smiles, hearts and through the stories they will tell of you. Rest well Mark You fought a brave battle with such dignity & grace. Prayers especially for Donna, Amanda and all of your family members.
Peace be with you
Carolyn Willard says
Mark will be missed by everyone who knew him. We met him and his wife Donna Hensel at First Babtist Church in Apopka. He would always welcome us there and always made us smile . He could always make your day brighter. We will miss him dearly . Our prayers and condolences are with his wife and family.❤️
Nancy Padgett says
Mark
You are blessed with many loved ones and friends we are sending extra love and peace for everyone you will be miss by many sending extra prayers
The Padgett family
Nancy jimmy and James
Cheryl DiSalvatore says
Writing with fond memories of our time together at Westside and the knowledge that we’ll see Mark again walking streets paved of gold! May Gods presence, peace, power, protection and provision be with your beautiful family!!
Tracey says
I am so sorry for your loss Mark was a very good man. And amazing friend. I will miss him so much being so close with the family and he will definitely be missed. And Rest in Paradise.
Tracey says
I am so sorry for your loss Mark was a very good man. And amazing friend. I will miss him so much being so close with the family and he will definitely be missed. And Rest in Paradise. Joshua Allen Hensel was also my best friend and I still miss him so much still
Adam says
What an amazing man of God you were here with us Mark! I remember you and Donna taking me to lunch and then to Disney where you took me on the tower of terror…. Don’t know if you knew it, but it definitely terrorized me…. I’ve never liked thrill rides, but wasn’t going to say anything…. I am just so thankful that I shared that experience with you both!
Donna, I hope to see you again sometime soon and thank you for being a shining example of Jesus Christ! Below is a poem I love to share from a lady who wrote it for her own celebration of life service…
“I Am With You Always”
(To those I love and those who love me)
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do
YOU mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess.
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown.
But now it’s time I traveled on alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted with trust.
It’s only awhile that we must part.
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away. For life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear.
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and “welcome home.”
Joan Johnson says
I am so sorry for your loss loved one. I never forget Mark and he is so nice and friendly person. I was surprised to see Mark at FBCA church and I told him that I am praying for him. Mark told me that he have been sick long time. I asked him to give me hug and we did hug. I missed him but I will meet him again in heaven. Love in Christ friend always, Joan Johnson
Cheryl Haney says
So so sorry I seen this just last night. Mark you were a wonderful caring man and had a very kind heart. Gone far to young but you are in heaven now with Jesus and all the beautiful angels. My condolences to his entire family. They lost the rock of the family. I remember all the good times we had with you from Disney to awards ceremonies with the Boy Scouts to a 50’s party and Amanda and Jessie’s wedding to playing the jolly Santa Claus for unpriviledge children. Those are just a few things that made you a great man. God bless this entire family Mark will be sorely missed. RIP Mark I will never forget you ever you impacted my life.