Oscar “Gene” Hensgen

Captain Oscar Eugene Hensgen (Gene) died on October 11, 2020, in Santa Barbara due to congestive heart failure. Gene is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Hensgen (Liz), three daughters Karen Jones, Kristi Bittner, and Kendra Angier and six grandchildren.

Gene was a successful businessman, devout Christian, proud-serving officer in the Navy, fun-loving camper and wine enthusiast, and a wonderful husband and father. Gene and Liz met at North Hollywood Presbyterian Church in 1955 while they were attending UCLA and UCSB. As a Navy ROTC student, Gene graduated from UCLA in 1958 as a junior officer with a BS in civil engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from USC. Liz graduated from UCSB in 1959. Starting in 1958, Gene served 22 years in the Navy, first on the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard in the Pacific and then a SeaBee reservist where he retired with the rank of Captain. Gene started Inquip Associates, a geotechnical contracting company in 1975, and continued to work into his 80’s.

Gene and Liz married in 1960 and are fortunate to have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together this summer. All those who know and love Gene are saddened by his death and joyful for his eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The family invites friends to join them to celebrate Gene’s life at Christ Lutheran Church in Goleta on November 6, 2020, at 1:30pm in the outdoor pavilion.