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- Major Harry Senske, 85, of 8155 Highway 27, Augusta, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, with his family at his bedside.
Harry Edward Senske, son of Herman and Susan (Clark) Senske, was born April 6, 1923, in the town of Bridge Creek, Eau Claire County. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, attended Dells Country School and graduated in 1940 from Augusta High School. Harry went on to attend UW-Superior; and while in the service, he graduated from Florida State University. He was united in marriage to Leone Swartz on Sept. 25, 1943, in Nashville, Tenn.
Major Harry Edward Senske started his military career in 1942. In 1943, after basic training, he was selected for air cadet training in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Upon graduation as a second lieutenant, he was assigned to pursuit aircraft training. After training Harry was assigned to the air transport command, where he ferried aircraft of all types throughout the United States. During these years, he was transferred to Texas, San Diego and Newfoundland. After World War II, Harry was released from active duty until being recalled for the police action in Korea. He was assigned to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., where he was a primary jet training instructor, flying F-80 fighters and T-33 training jets. While there he was promoted to first lieutenant. He was then transferred to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Fla. In 1954, Harry accepted an assignment to teach Air Force reserve officer training at the University of Puerto Rico at San Juan, Puerto Rico. While there he maintained his flight status by flying F-86 fighter interceptors with the Puerto Rican Air National Guard and was promoted to captain. His favorite aircraft during these years were the North American P-51 Mustang and Republic F-86 Saber Jet. In 1959, Harry was reassigned to Tindall Air Force Base in Panama City, Fla. In 1961, he was assigned to the strategic air command at Grand Forks Air Force Base near Grand Forks, N.D. Harry was promoted to major, and received his command pilot designation. Major Harry E. Senske retired from the United States Air Force in 1963, while at Grand Forks. During his military career he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Air Combat Medal, Nation Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Long Term Service Award. In addition to his military service, Harry was extremely involved in his Masonic commitment. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and completed both the Scottish Rite and York Rite. While in North Dakota he served as grand secretary for North Dakota State Blue Lodge and was active with the Shriners. He was past master of the Grand Forks Lodge and the Augusta Lodge.
For the first 10 years after his military retirement, Harry and Leone continued to live in Grand Forks, where he was employed by the Grand Forks Credit Bureau. The couple then moved to Fargo, where he held his Masonic grand secretary position. In 1977, to help care for his ailing parents, they returned to his family farm just north of Augusta. At the Wisconsin State Fair in 2006, he proudly received the Century Farm recognition for the family's farm. While in Augusta he was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving in various church offices. He had been a member of the Augusta Nursing Home Board, Library Board and had served several years on the Augusta school board. Harry's love of his country carried on in his retirement through his involvement with the Augusta VFW and American Legion, his frequent visits to and financial support of the Veterans High Ground Memorial in Neillsville, and he was instrumental in the construction and dedication of the flag pole at Augusta High School. He maintained his love of flying by owning and flying civilian single engine aircraft, which he flew from the family farm on Highway 27, near Augusta.
He is survived by his wife, Leone of Augusta; two sons, Harold and Lora Lee Senske of Mesa, Ariz., Robert and Sara Senske of Wheaton, Ill.; four grandchildren, Erick A. Senske, Caroline I. Senske, Kirstin L. Senske and Kelli B. Senske; great-grandson, Alan Michael Senske; sister, Doris Raether of the Augusta Area Nursing Home; and sister-in-law, Florence Senske of St. Paul.
He was preceded in death by his father in December 1980; mother in April 1988; and brother, Everett Senske.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Augusta, with pastoral minister Timothy Voigts officiating. Burial with full military rites will be held at the West Lawn Cemetery in Augusta.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
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1923 - 2009 (85 Jahre)
