Renate Hensler's Obituary
Renate Hensler, 89, of Huntersville, NC, passed away on August 4th.
She was born Renate Hagert on January 13, 1936, in Nuremberg, Germany, emigrated to New York City and was a graduate of George Washington High School. After high school, Renate worked in New York City as a secretary at Parker & Co. In 1963, she married John Hensler and moved to New Jersey. They spent nearly 30 years in Cranbury, where she was a homemaker and raised two sons, Matthew and Andrew. During this time, both she and her wonderful parents, Paul and Lucie Hagert, were very active in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where Renate served on the altar guild.
She moved from Cranbury to an apartment above a Surf Shop in Lavallette, NJ, to fulfill her dream to live at the beach, and became very involved with Faith Lutheran Church in Lavallette, serving the altar guild and the food pantry. In 1999, Renate purchased a home in Toms River and continued in service at Faith.
She loved to bake, and her apple pies, lemon meringue pies, cheesecakes and Christmas cookies were legendary. For many years, at Christmastime, she enjoyed setting up John’s antique Lionel train set and a wonderful Christmas village, which was a labor of love to set up.
As a beach lover, she developed a love of Cape May, NJ and visited for a week, more often two, at least once a year until 2015 to just relax. She loved to enjoy a burger at the Ugly Mug or a seafood dinner at The Lobster House.
She was an avid Snoopy collector, as far back as the 60s, and until her last days. She was always happy to add to her collection of figurines, ornaments, stuffed toys and t-shirts.
Renate spent her most recent years in Huntersville, NC, near her son Andrew, daughter-in-law Allison, and grandsons, Paul and James.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lucie Hagert, her brother Conrad Hagert, and her husband, John Hensler.
She is survived by her son Matthew Hensler of Toms River, NJ, son Andrew Hensler, daughter-in-law Allison Hensler, grandsons Paul Hensler and James Hensler of Huntersville, NC, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on October 4th at 11 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in East Windsor, NJ.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com
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