Vensel

Louis James "Jim" Vensel, 81, of Fairview Borough, 87 Sunbury St., Petrolia, died at 9:45 a.m. Thursday at Butler Memorial Hospital following an unexpected illness. He was stricken at home 8 p.m. Monday.

Born Feb. 17, 1927, in St. Petersburg, Pa., he was the son of Harlen S. Vensel and Myrna Heeter Vensel.

He was a member of the Fairview United Presbyterian Church for the past 38 years and had attended both Bruin Elementary and Bruin High School before entering into the service. He served from 1942 until 1943 with the U.S. Navy Seabees in the Philippines.

He was a lifetime member of the NRA and a member of the American Legion Kaylor Post 488 of Bradys Bend.

He enjoyed woodcarving and his family.

He retired Jan. 1, 1991 from Penreco, where he was employed in the boiler house for 28 years.

He married the former Mabel G. LeVier on June 2, 1956 in Petrolia, and she survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Paula A. Dorr and her husband, Paul A., of Fairview; a son, Eric J. Vensel and his wife, Jackie L., of Emlenton; four grandchildren, Tabitha R. Dorr of Fairview, Reva Kennedy and her husband, William, of Savannah, Ga., Jennifer L. Vensel of Emlenton, and Dylan J. J. Vensel of Emlenton; a brother, Robert S. Vensel and his wife, Helen "Sue," of Bruin; a sister, Janet M. Page and her husband, John "Jack," of Bruin; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Milo "Jack" Vensel in June 1989, Sonny Dean Vensel in April 2001 and Larry Vensel in August 2004; and two sisters, Joanne M. Emery on Dec. 1, 2005, and 2-year-old Bonnie Vensel.

<B>VENSEL</B> — Friends of Louis James "Jim" Vensel, who died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the <B>Richard D. Hillis Funeral Home</B>, Petrolia. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with the Rev. Richard F. Rowe and the Rev. Robert E. Miller, both retired pastors, officiating. Burial will be in the Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia.Memorial donations may be made to Fairview United Presbyterian Church, c/o Janet Barger, Petrolia, PA 16050.Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home by members of the American Legion Kaylor Post 488 of Bradys Bend.