David Joseph Hensing

David Joseph Hensing, 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor, of Daniel Island, SC, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Born on October 3, 1938, in Ames, IA, David was the son of the late Kathryn Judge Hensing and the late Andrew (Duke) Hensing. The eldest of 5 siblings, David took seriously the task of "teasing the girls" (his two younger sisters) and keeping an eye on his two younger brothers born after Duke's return from serving in the Pacific Theater as a Navy Captain in World War II. David was blessed to grow up in Ames with the numerous first and second cousins, aunts and uncles of their large Irish and German family.

Like his father before him, David earned a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University. David also earned a Certificate in Highway Traffic from Yale University. While attending Yale in New Haven, David met the love of his life, Pat Doba, whom he married on July 4, 1963. 

David enjoyed a storied career in the field of transportation. He began his career in 1960 at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where he was involved in many aspects of highway engineering, transportation planning and analysis. In 1967, he joined the international consulting firm of Alan M. Voorhees & Associates, Inc. (AMV) of McLean, Virginia, ultimately becoming a vice president. As principal-in-charge and project manager, he directed and managed numerous large-scale transportation projects in the U.S. and abroad. His first project with AMV was in Caracas, Venezuela where David moved his wife and young daughter, Susan, in 1967. Though Pat was fluent in Spanish, David did not speak the language but he learned quickly and remained fluent the rest of his life. Their son Thomas was born in Caracas in 1968.

Returning to the States in 1969, Dave and Pat settled in Rockville, Maryland. In 1980, David joined AASHTO (the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) as Deputy Executive Director working closely with his admired colleague, Francis B. Francois, also a graduate of Iowa State University. While at AASHTO, David participated in the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), advanced bridge technology, securing the position of the United States as a leader in transportation standards and strategic planning to substantially reduce the loss of life in traffic fatalities, among other contributions. Known to be an eloquent speaker and fabulous storyteller, he represented AASHTO in national and international forums including the Transportation Research Board, the World Road Association, the Institute of Traffic Engineers and others leading to significant engineering advances. In 2000, David was the initial recipient of the Francis B. Francois Award for Innovation. Upon retiring from AASHTO at the end of 2000, David served as interim President of ITS America until his final retirement.

In 2014, David and Pat relocated to Glenview, Illinois where they resided in the same community as their son Tom. In 2023, David and Pat again relocated to Daniel Island, South Carolina living in the same community as their daughter Susan.

In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by his sisters, Ann Guay and Jean Higdon. 

David is survived by his wife, Patricia Hensing; daughter, Susan Arensmeier (Bruce); son, Thomas Hensing (Eileen); grandchildren: Michael (Meredith) Arensmeier, Kathryn (fiancé Zak VerSchure), Angela Arensmeier, Andrew Hensing, Caroline Hensing, Kathleen Hensing; great-grandson, Charlie; brothers, John Hensing and Joseph Hensing; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on July 27, 2024 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church on Daniel Island. Inurnment will follow at 1:30 pm at Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner. The family will receive friends following the inurnment at 486 Creek Landing Street Daniel Island. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Sister Paulanne's Needy Family Fund
c/o Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Parish Ministry Center
1775 Grove Street
Glenview, Illinois 60025

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.