BROTHER ELMER J HENSLER PASSES
I knew at an early age that if I wanted anything in life, I would have to go out and work for it”. Elmer J. Hensler
Elmer Hensler was a storyteller. His life experiences connect in the ways all good stories do; The very early struggles, the determination to overcome those struggles, and finally finding the way to a life well lived. Elmer died early Saturday morning at age 94.
Born in 1930 in Cincinnati’s West End, the edge of Cincinnati’s meatpacking district, fondly known as Porkopolis. One of nine children. Poor but never hungry. Only a block away from the many active slaughterhouses. This is where an eleven-year-old boy showed up to work at 4am before school. This set the tone and pace for Cincinnati’s future Sausage King.
Speaking of school, Elmer hated the formality of classroom learning. His mind was on earning money and building a future. The nuns and teachers at the time always warned him in fear; “You will never amount to anything.” Elmer’s response, “Just give me a knife and steel, and I will do the rest!” He left formal education shortly after the 8th grade to begin his sausage career, and never looked back. He had a faith and belief in himself. A rare quality for one so young.
Elmer worked all aspects of the flourishing Cincinnati meatpacking business. From the fast pace of the slaughterhouses to driver-sales and management, he learned from the very best, quickly.
By 1965, with a vast array of meat industry skills, Elmer decided to start his own sausage company. He gathered 2 master sausage maker partners to found Cincinnati’s iconic Queen City Sausage Company. Closing in on 60 years of craft sausage making, the company expanded 15 times. The Queen City bratwursts and mettwursts continue to be the number one brand, even against the national brands in Cincinnati.
Elmer was well known in the meat business, especially when buying equipment as that guy who offered “$5000.00 down and $5000.00 per month until paid.” It was pure survival in the early days and bargaining like that was unheard of, especially when a machine could cost upwards of the $300K range. Vendors trusted him and supported him thoroughly. They saw spunk and grit in this young man.
Giving back to the city and community that so generously embraced him and his sausage factory was priority. Elmer was especially generous to fundraising efforts for children in need or in medical situations. He was a longtime member of the Cincinnati Shriners and helped with their many community initiatives. Elmer had a deep respect for Cincinnati and Hamilton County police, fire, and sheriff departments and their many charity efforts. He made sure a steady supply of brats and metts were supplied to these organizations to raise funds for those who needed help.
Elmer never stopped telling his stories of the early days and the struggles. He was always so thrilled with how much the people of Cincinnati treasured the bratwursts, smoked sausages, and deli meats his company made. Elmer simply loved Cincinnati and all his experiences here. His famous motto was “Never cheapen your product.” And “I don’t want to be the biggest, just the best!” Well into his 90’s, Elmer still came to work on a regular basis.
Elmer gave his best to his family, friends, employees, customers, and to the people of Cincinnati. He was fun to be around and treated everyone with respect. His daily lunches at the sausage factory were legendary. So many different people came to visit; Pete Rose, Buddy LaRosa, Phil Castellini, Bill Cunningham, Rich Graeter, and so many more. The lunches were like sitting around a campfire exchanging stories and celebrating an endless supply of Elmer’s fresh-made premium sausages.
Elmer simply believed in the American Dream and demonstrated its possibility each day of his life. His life theme song was made famous by the Sinatra classic, “My Way!” He lived every day with as much vigor and determination as possible.
Elmer was born May, 29, 1930 to the late Milton and Nora (Grace) Hensler. In 1949 Elmer married Juanita (Fields) Hensler who preceded him in death along with daughter Glenda Jean Foley and son Steven Hensler. In 1973 Elmer married Bernice Huelsebusch) Hensler who preceded him in death in 2020. Surviving are two daughters, Sheri Peters (Gary) and Donna King (Greg). Grandchildren are Rachel Patten and Joshua King. He is also survived by his brother Arthur Hensler and many nieces and nephews.
