Robert T. Hensrud

ROBERT THOMAS HENSRUD Robert Thomas Hensrud, 78, of Danville, passed away at 11:25 a.m. Friday, may 8, 2009 at his home with his daughter Heidi at his side. Robert was born on July 23, 1930 in La Crosse, Wisonsin, the son of Oscar and Gina (Erickson) Hensrud. He married Dorothy Manning on August 14, 1964 in Danville. Although they were divorced he loved her until his last breath. He is survived by his daughter- Heidi (Steve) Tucker of Gessie, Indiana; brother- Oswald Hensrud of Danville; sister- Frances M. Burton of Costa Mesa, California; three grandchildren- Bryce Tucker, Matthew Tucker and Olivia Tucker; three great-grandchildren- Brook Tucker, Cameron Burns and Alexa Farrell; and Renee Sinkes of Gifford, who helped care for him and whom he was very fond of and he thought the world of her and enjoyed her humor that made his days brighter. He was preceded in death by his parents, and several great friends- Mel, Clyde and Tom. Robert graduated from Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. After high school, he served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. He served during the Korean War in the infantry and as a medic. He was awarded the Occupational Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Over the years Robert worked for the railroad, University of Illinois, VA Hospital and as a bartender for several years. For the last 30 years he has been a caregiver for his older brother. Robert loved handicapping and playing the horses. He lots of time could be found at the kitchen table wearing his specs and using his short pencil studying the racing form. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He was great at cards, pool and horseshoes. He even was the horseshoe throwing champ in La Crosse, Wisconsin at 13 years of age. Beating all the adult men and was pictured in the paper. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was like a father to Bryce, loved to take walks and talk with Matthew and Olivia was his little sweetheart, who he loved to tell stories of his childhood and let her cheat at all the games they played. He was proud of them all and thought the world of his great-grandchildren. A Celebration of the Life of Robert Thomas Hensrud will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Danville National Cemetery, with Pastor Kent Tibben officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #210. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Memorials may be made to the Danville Rescue Mission in Roberts name. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.