Steven K. Hensey

Steven K. Hensey, age 71, resident of Lakota, ND, passed on to eternal life on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota.

Steve was born June 11, 1946 in Bismarck, ND, the son of Kenneth and Bonnie (Mahoney) Hensey. He was raised and attended school in Lakota, graduating in 1964. Steve attended Lake Region College in Devils Lake, ND, and transferred to Valley City State College. He was called to military service and completed basic training at Ft. Campbell, KY. He served six years in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1975. Steve married Sharon Bakke on June 28, 1975 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Park River, ND. He returned home to farm with his father in Nelson and Ramsey County. Steve later retired from farming and went back to Valley City State in order to finish his degree in history and behavioral studies. He worked in human services until his retirement a few years ago. Steve was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Lakota, the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 in Lakota, the Nelson County Historical Society, and a lifetime member of the Lakota Fire Department. Steve loved the land and the outdoors, especially camping and hunting. He was an avid reader who was always studying his next history book. Steve enjoyed his World War II presentations for history classes, always stating “They stayed awake today!” He enjoyed all types of music, and he let everyone know that his daughter was his favorite singer.

Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon of Lakota; his favorite daughter, Jamie Smith of Fargo; 2 dear grandchildren, Ethan & Gweneth Smith; sister, Sherry Kurtz of Devils Lake; brother-in-law, Randall (Correen) Bakke of Marshall, MN; all of his friends and neighbors; and his loving companion, Jazzy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and a brother-in-law, Austin R. Bakke.

Steve will be missed by his family for his faith and sense of humor. May his memory be blessed.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Lakota on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Lakota Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the Church on Wednesday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.