Gerd Hensen

Gerd Walter Hensen, 82, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born Oct. 9, 1934, in Herne, Germany, to the late Walter Eric and Emilie (Dornseif) Hensen.

He earned All State recognition as a goalie for Thomas Edison High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was the premier goalie in the German American League, playing for the Elizabeth Soccer Club.

He and Peggy Lou Bonner were married Aug. 26, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee.

He was an avid supporter of The University of Memphis basketball team.

Gerd served in the U.S. Army and earned several awards, including the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Loving survivors include his wife, Peggy Lou Hensen of Cape Girardeau; his son, Christopher (Alice) Hensen of St. Charles, Missouri; daughters, Shannon (Steve) White of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Jacqueline (Jim) Brown of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Gina (Stephen) Dukes of Germantown, Tennessee; brother, Gustav Walter Hensen of Warren, Vermont; nine grandchildren, Christopher and Kaitlynn Hensen, Emma, Elyse and Ella White, Neal, Emily and Hunter Gore and Ada Dukes; and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon at the church, with Pastor Weldon Wildauer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.