George Elvin Kensinger

George Elvin Kensinger

May 8, 1927       July 6, 2017

     George Elvin Kensinger, 90, Martinsburg, embarked upon a heavenly journey to be with the Lord on Thursday evening after having had a multitude of experiences and adventures during his earthly life.

     He was born in North Woodbury Township, Blair County, son of the late Charles Elvin and Minnie (Wineland) Kensinger.  On August 20, 1950, he married Dona Kauffman at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Roaring Spring.

     Surviving are his wife of more than 66 years; a son, George K. Kensinger of Roaring Spring; a daughter, Deidre K. Robison of Manistee, Mich; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

     He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jon Kensinger; three sisters: Mary Wagner, Anna Eardley and Florence Rhodes; and a brother, Leon E. Kensinger.

     George was a 1945 graduate of Morrisons Cove High School, Martinsburg, and was a 1951 graduate of Juniata College, where he earned a degree in mathematics. He furthered his education at Pennsylvania State University, receiving a masters of education-administration degree.

      He was a lifelong educator and served in many different positions throughout the years. He began his teaching career at Woodbury High School, after which he taught math at Roaring Spring High School. He then became supervising principal for Claysburg-Kimmel School District. From 1963-71, George served as assistant superintendent for Blair County Schools. For the next three years, he was assistant executive director for Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08. He retired in 1982 after eight years as executive director for the Intermediate Unit.
   

      While at Juniata College, George was in the naval reserves and then served active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1952-54.

      A devoted member of Memorial Church of the Brethren, Martinsburg, George participated in many areas of church life including teaching Sunday school, singing in the church choir and being a lifetime church deacon. He was also active with Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren and, at one time, assisted with pastoral placements. He also served as district moderator and was a denominational standing committee member.

     George was a member of numerous professional organizations including Pennsylvania State Education Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, Pennsylvania Association of Retired Educators, Rotary International (of which he was a Paul Harris fellow) and Martinsburg Boosters Association, and he was a board member of the Spring Hope Cemetery Association.

     Baseball was always a big part of George's life. While at Juniata College, he played on the college baseball team as a catcher, first baseman, and a "harasser of umpires." While on active duty in the U.S. Navy, he was a catcher for a traveling league team that played at the ellipse park in Washington, D.C., and in northern Virginia. After his retirement from education, he was one of the assistant baseball coaches at Juniata College, and he also served as a PIAA basketball official.

     Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2017, and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service, Monday, July 10, 2017, at Memorial Church of the Brethren, Martinsburg, Pastor Eric J. Fether officiating. A private interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg. Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

     Due to allergies, the family requests no flowers be sent and asks that memorial contributions in memory of George be given to Martinsburg Community Library or to Morrisons Cove Memorial Park, 201 S. Walnut St., Martinsburg, PA 16662

      The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at UPMC Altoona Hospital for the wonderful care provided to George and his family.