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.