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CROSBY - Erwin Frederick William Hensch, age 93, a resident of Crosby's "Heartwood," died October 15, 2013 of Alzheimer complications. Born in Sanborn, Minn., March 30, 1920, Erv graduated from Sanborn High School and then earned a Civil Engineering degree from University of Minnesota where he was a member of Chi Epsilon engineering fraternity. Soon after Erv started his first job with Pennsylvania Railroad, the Pearl Harbor attack took place, war with Japan was declared and Erv enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He completed basic training at Great Lakes and officers' training in New York. His first assignment was aboard a minesweeper in the Caribbean, then as assistant chief engineer on the heavy cruiser, "Indianapolis," in the Pacific. By then, he and Helen Erickson of Springfield, MN had been married on Christmas Day 1942.

The Indianapolis was hit by a kamikaze and returned to the U.S. for repairs and then was given the mission of carrying the first atomic bomb components to Tinian. After dropping off this secret cargo, the Indy headed unescorted for the Philippines. She was torpedoed by the Japanese at midnight July 31, just a few days before the first atomic bombs were dropped on Japan and WWII came to an end. The Indianapolis sank in 10 minutes, becoming the worst loss in Naval history with 1135 men lost and just 317 survivors. The men were in the water five days before being spotted accidentally by a plane off its course. They were taken to a hospital in Guam. After Erv recovered from the ordeal, he accompanied the ship's captain, Charles McVay, to Washington D.C. to take on the task of sending condolences to the families of the men lost and closing the ship's records.

Following Erv's Navy experience, he returned to University of Minnesota for a master's degree in prestressed concrete. His first job as City Engineer in Fergus Falls, Minn., was followed by a move to Duluth, Minn., as Director of Public Works for eight years before he was asked to fill the same position in Albuquerque, N.M. He remained in Albuquerque until retiring in 1980, at which time he and Helen returned to Burnsville, Minn., and a summer lake home in Remer. Parts of many winters they enjoyed in Gulf Shores, Ala. Wherever Erv lived, he was involved in the Lutheran church and Rotary Club.

Erv was active in the public works field, serving as chapter president in both Minnesota and New Mexico. In 1972 in was elected national president of the American Public Works Association. In this capacity, he visited many U.S. chapters and was invited to speak to an international group of public works officials in Lausanne, Switzerland which also involved a tour of several European cities and a week's stay in then communist Russia.

After retirement, Erv enjoyed fishing and hunting at Big Sand Lake at Remer, growing a large vegetable garden, pursuing his long-time woodworking hobby, and hosting family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen, daughters Judith Trujillo of Portland, Ore. and Susan Eklund of Burnsville, and son Thomas of Minneapolis as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His cremated remains will rest in the Fort Ripley cemetery. A memorial service followed by military honors will be held at Heartwood Living Community in Crosby, November 23, 2013 at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to Heartwood Spiritual Care Fund, 500 Heartwood Drive, Crosby, MN 56441.

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