Paul L. Vensel, 92 years, of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
Born August 1, 1925 in Apollo, Pennsylvania, Paul was the son of the late Ellis D. "Jerry" and Edna M. (Riggle) Vensel. Paul was a 1943 graduate of Monroe High School where he played football and baseball. He went on attend Michigan State University and Cleary College where he received a two year degree in business and accounting.
Directly after high school graduation Paul entered the United States Navy. He served his country honorably and proudly as a Radar Man aboard the USS Chester. Paul served from July 30, 1943 to March 2, 1946. For his heroism he received the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 2 stars, American Area Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.
On August 3, 1957 Paul married his beloved wife, the former Marjorie O. Clark, in Monroe.
Paul began working at Monroe Auto Equipment and then went to Ford Motor Company where he worked in Ypsilanti and in Plymouth at the Sheldon Road Plant. Paul worked a total of 33 years at Ford. He retired in 1987 as Manager of Production Control.
Paul was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Monroe where he served as a Deacon, an Elder, and on the church board and its finance committee. He was a long time member of the Monroe Golf and Country Club, VFW Post 1138, Monroe First Downer's, where he served as President, and the YMCA. He enjoyed traveling, playing Bridge, spending winter's in Florida, especially in Destin, and playing golf and tennis. Most of all Paul loved time spent with family, especially his granddaughters, who knew him as Pap.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marjorie, two loving sons: David P. (Katherine A.) Vensel of Monroe and James R. Vensel of Sarasota, FL. and two cherished granddaughters: Kelsey M (John) Ackerman of Los Angeles, CA and Kara C. Vensel of Chicago, IL.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother Robert E. (Dorothy) Vensel.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. On Thursday, November 9, 2017 he will lie in state at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe from 10:30 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Annemarie S. Kidder, pastor of the church, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or the YMCA Annual Campaign.