Robert (Bob) Hensler

Bob Hensler, 86, died in Libby on April 6, 2023, at the Libby Care Center from complications of pulmonary fibrosis.

Bob was born in West Bend, Wisconsin, on June 28, 1936, and graduated from high school there. After graduation he attended the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point, received his undergraduate degree in forestry from Michigan and master’s in wildlife biology from University of Michigan.

During college he married his high school sweetheart Patricia Klein.

Bob started his professional career with Montana Fish and Game, as it was known then, in Malta, Montana. With a growing and expanding family, Bob went to work for the U.S. Forest Service and worked at various places in Montana and North Dakota.

Bob’s last position was with the Flathead National Forest in Kalispell. While in Kalispell all five of his children graduated from Flathead High School. It was at this time that his wife Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away after 34 years of marriage.

After retirement he met and married the second love of his life, Paula Darko, from Libby. Paula and Bob have made their home there since their marriage in 1994.

Bob was always active in the community. He was a member of the National Wildlife Federation, Montana Wildlife Federation and Flathead Wildlife. He belonged to Lions, coached youth baseball, served with Habitat for Humanity, and Ducks Unlimited for over 30 years.

His most passionate service was on the Board of the Northwest Community Health Center in Libby and ushered the center through the building of the new clinic and its two expansions.

Bob passed away in Libby and the Libby Care Center with his wife Paula holding his hand. He is survived by his wife, Paula, his five children Janet Suchon (Russ), Peter, Michael, Steven (Karen) and Barbara Van Fleet (Jeff), brothers Tom and Paul, granddaughter Stacia Lugo and grandson Hunter Hensler, great-grandchildren Olivia and Leo and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Lorraine, his first wife Patricia, sister Mary and daughters-in-law, Gwenn and Sheryl.

Bob’s life was an adventure and he carried all with him on that adventure. It was honest and well-lived.

He was loved by many and will be missed by more.

A memorial service will be held in early June in Libby and will be announced when plans are finalized.

Memorials can be directed to the Northwest CHC Voucher Program in Libby or Kootenai Pets for Life in Libby. Arrangements are under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby.

Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.