Esther Mae Hensel, ('Nana', 'Sis', 'Tante Esther') age 83 of Manitowoc, died on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

Born on February 21, 1937 in Onalaska, to the late Ernest and Esther Springer (nee Hauser) she was raised by her loving aunt Martha Sophie Schilling and uncle James Schilling. Graduating from Holmen High School in 1955, she earned her license as a practical nurse in Milwaukee the following year.  On August 25, 1957, Esther married Philemon Hensel at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Valders.

Her career began as an OBGYN nurse at Memorial Hospital of Manitowoc in 1957, she moved to Surgical Associates in 1976 spending the remainder of her professional career as Dr. David Satchell's devoted nurse. Unable to remain inactive in retirement, she spent countless hours caring for geriatric patients in the Manitowoc area.  It is no exaggeration to state that she was everyone's favorite nurse.

Dedicated as she was to her life as a nurse, she was also the committed wife of a Lutheran minister; the mother of three sons; the mentor, caregiver and nurturer of everyone - especially those in need.  Capping a life of service and devotion to the care of others, she was also intensely devoted to her church; Grace Ev. Lutheran in Valders.

Survivors include Esther's four sons, Seth (Marjorie) Hensel, Tampa, FL; Jonathan Hensel, Manitowoc; Paul (Natasha) Hensel, Ellington, CT; and her son in spirit, Barrington (Robin) Neil, Baton Rouge, LA; two grandchildren, Miles and Amahlia Hensel; and a sister, Barbara (William) Roellich, Belleview, WA.  Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Esther Springer; husband, Philemon; and sister, Mary Dube.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. CST at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Valders, WI.  Rev. Timothy Chang will officiate with interment of ashes to follow the service.

Those who are unable to attend in person may attend via Zoom.  Please log on via this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81220040165?pwd=MEtYYUtzczAwaHFqQkVxWTRMRGpRQT09

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .  A luncheon will be prepared at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center on the south end of the funeral home property at 11th and St. Clair Streets, Manitowoc following the interment.

Please R.S.V.P. for the luncheon to sethhensel@icloud.com

In lieu of flowers, kindly direct memorials in Esther's name to the recipient of the donor's choice.

Esther's family extends their profound gratitude to the staff of Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers for their compassionate care.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 is assisting the family.