Gerald Kensler

Gerald Wayne (Jerry)  Kensler passed away at his home Monday, May 18, with his wife and daughters by his side.

Jerry was born on September 11, 1925 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Hazel and Lee Kensler.  He lived in Troy nearly all his life, having only moved to Moses Lake, Wash., two years ago in order to be closer to his daughters.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann; daughters Shelley Kensler (Karl DeRuwe) and Pam Kensler; grandsons Adam Kensler DeRuwe and Jerry Lee Kensler; nephews Ward Kensler and Darrell Johnson (Susan); nieces Gwenn Kensler and Andrea Kensler-Chiaverini (Frank); great-niece Kylie Johnson and great-nephews Angelo Chiaverini, Dominic Chiaverini and Andy Johnson.

Jerry lived a full and rewarding life.  He enjoyed new experiences, meeting people, and good food. He served in the Army Air Corps as a flight navigator, opened and ran Kensler’s Market in Troy, along with his cousin Roger, served on the First National Bank Board of Directors, the St. John’s Hospital Board of Directors, the IGA Board of Directors, as mayor of Troy, as a member of the Business Men’s Association and as a volunteer firefighter. He was an avid reader, reading up to the last few days of his life. He kept up with novels and history books, The Wall Street Journal, The Western News and the local newspapers, paying close attention to the grocery ads. Jerry was always interested in the grocery ads, he used to toss Kensler’s Market fliers out of the window of his plane while flying up in the Yaak. Jerry loved everything about the grocery business. He enjoyed going to work every day where he saw the people of Troy and always appreciated their support. 

During his younger years, his hobbies included tying flies, stamp and coin collecting, fishing, hunting, bowling and flying. During his middle years, he added golf, poker with his buddies and horse races. His later years included travel; he and Ann enjoyed many trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, Europe and Las Vegas. He could be found most mornings shaking for coffee at the Highway Café.

Jerry and Ann loved going to dinner at the Spur on a weekly basis, and they continued the dinner dates after they moved to Moses Lake. They enjoyed each other’s company immensely.

Per Jerry’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service.  Memorials in his name may be made to Troy High School Higher Education Endowment Fund; c/o Trinette Todd, District Clerk; PO Box 867; Troy, MT  59935.  Jerry strongly believed in higher education and would be pleased to see more graduates of Troy High School receive that benefit.