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Jeffrey “Jeff” James Hensel, age 73, of Lindstrom, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025.  Jeff was born March 31, 1951, in Bemidji, Minnesota. Jeff was one of four children born to James and Helen “Te” (Thelander) Hensel.

Raised in Bemidji, Minnesota, Jeff graduated from Bemidji High School, class of 1969.  Jeff joined the Army after graduation and after his service returned home to pursue his love for construction, working next to his dad James. He held several construction/contracting jobs through the years, finishing his career at Greystone Construction.

Jeff found a passion in construction/contracting, and when the local community of Lindstrom, MN needed an indoor hockey rink, Jeff was there to take the community’s dream and make it a reality with his help of development and assistance.  This project became one of multiple arenas and curling clubs that Jeff would soon oversee during his working career.

Jeff had a love for the outdoors, which included hunting, fishing, bird watching and just a general appreciation of what Mother Nature had given him.  He loved going to deer camp in Bemidji to be with his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and many others. The stories are endless.  Eventually deer camp changed venues closer to home, where he was able to enjoy hunting with his children and grandchildren. His other love was spending time at the family cabin in Flanders, Ontario Canada. There he fished, worked on projects, and played numerous games of cribbage. This was his sanctuary.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents James and Helen. 

He is survived by his brother and sisters Robyn (Bill) Schulke, Cole (Lecia) Hensel, Cyri (Lowell Jobe) Prescott, loving children Meghan (Chris) Phelps, Jared (Jaimee Cooke) Hensel, Ashley (Joseph) Weber; grandchildren Matthew and Henry Phelps, John and Walter Te Weber, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of his life will take place Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Grandstrand Funeral Home, located at 11900 Lake Lane North, Lindstrom, MN, from 2-5 p.m., with a story/sharing hour at 4 p.m. Join us for a snack, enjoy a story or two, and perhaps try your luck at catching that elusive 29 hand.

A celebration will be held in Bemidji at a later date.

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