Michael D. Hensley

Michael David Hensley passed away at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL on December 31, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. 

Mike was born in Muskogee, OK on September 8, 1962 to Gene and (Mary) Helen Hensley. With a relocation, he grew up in Ottawa, IL. He held several jobs as a youngster with a newspaper route, corn detasseling and a liquor store cashier. Mike graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Finance and spent most of his career as an accountant in the auto dealership industry in McHenry, IL. 

Mike is survived by his loving family including his parents, Gene and Helen Hensley of Porum OK; his sister and brother-in law Cheryl and John Nelson of Sandwich, IL; his niece Lindsey (Tyler) Wendt of Yorkville, IL; great-niece Gracelyn Wendt and great-nephew Oliver Wendt, also of Yorkville, IL; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his life-long best friend from elementary school, Raymond (Lisa) Fuchs of Ottawa, IL.  Mike also had a daughter, Courtney Hensley of Ft. Myers, FL. 

As Mike’s health declined, he relocated to Sandwich, IL to be near his sister, Cheryl (Sis) who became his caretaker/professional assistant. He lived with Cheryl and John for a year until finally moving into an apartment at the Sandwich Manor. He kept Sis on speed dial for his daily needs and talks. While occasionally inconvenient, those daily talks and laughs are already missed so much. During his time in Sandwich, he was able to take many trips with John and Cheryl which will be fondly remembered.  

Mike liked to make people laugh, was full of quick-witted humor and always had a big smile on his face. He would not want tears of sadness shed or sympathy. He would want folks to remember good times and laughter and to celebrate his life. 

Mike’s favorites in life were television, Fox News, Trump and Nascar. He thoroughly enjoyed Trump’s slogan to ‘Make America Great Again’ and could often be seen wearing his MAGA hat. Mike also loved Las Vegas. “Put $100 on red” was his gambling ‘go-to’ and he was usually lucky. Mike went on lockdown during races and traveled to several over the years. Mike’s only regret in life was that he never got to jump out of a plane. 

Mike eventually exhausted his nine lives and more as his organs continued to fail him. He had a severe cardiac arrest and went out with a Bang in true Mike fashion on New Year’s Eve during the fireworks. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. If you knew him well, ‘Chuck’s Chicken Shack’ is no longer open for business.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Homer and Ruth Hensley, and maternal grandparents Harry Angel and Ola Carter.  

Mike will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date yet to be determined. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com