Irvin Elsworth Sensel's Obituary
Irvin Elsworth Sensel passed away on April 30, 2024, at the age of 84.
A longtime resident of Spanaway, WA, Sensel was born in Newport, KY, to William F. and Margaret Irene (La Framboise) Sensel. He came to the Pacific Northwest as a young airman with the U.S. Air Force and for 24 years served primarily in the 8th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis/McChord. A Vietnam veteran, Sensel retired as an E7 flight engineer/examiner before going on to a second career as an A & P mechanic for Boeing. Between 1985 and 2001 he and his wife, Shirley Jean (Rayburn) Sensel, also owned and operated Spanaway’s historic Exchange Tavern, est. 1890.
An avid golfer, Sensel also enjoyed camping with his family, wood-working and home improvement projects, collecting firearms, and Civil War history. He is survived by his wife, children Joni J. Sensel and Robert A. Sensel, grandchildren Allen Sensel (and partner Brianna Barnes) and Lauren Sensel Cockle (and husband Max Cockle), and three great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Margaret (Sensel) Dicken.
Sensel was predeceased by his daughter Jo-Anna Sensel and brothers Edward Sensel and William Sensel.
The family will hold a private service.
Remembrances can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, https://www.lbda.org.
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