Calvin Gilbert Senechal

Calvin Gilbert Senechal March 29, 1935 - May 16, 2026 Calvin was born in Drake, MN to Elsie and Elmer Senechal. Growing up, he learned early how to work hard, began his love of music and developed a deep Christian faith that remained at the center of his life. When he was young, Cal worked on the neighbor's farm, and eventually saved up enough to purchase his first violin, bow, strings, case and instruction book out of the Sears catalog. He heard an accordionist on the radio by the name of Darlene Ohnstad, who was winning multiple talent contests. He eventually met her at a Walther League gathering. They dated and together they formed a band that played for weddings and barn dances until the weekend before their wedding on June 15, 1957. They continued to entertain family and friends with their music and dances for many years. In his career at Honeywell, Cal led decades of innovation resulting in the development of advanced navigation technologies. He worked with airlines all over the world to successfully introduce laser guided navigation which is used on most commercial aircraft today. He was a true engineer at heart and was motivated by the challenge to make aircraft and space travel better and safer. In addition to his technical depth, he was a great communicator, patiently making the complex understandable. While he was accomplished in his career, he often said, "We work to live, not live to work," and he truly lived by those words. His love for his family, especially Darlene was obvious, and his patience and dedication in all he did was inspiring. They lovingly cared for their gardens, planted seeds, watched their plants grow and bloom, but also planted seeds of hope and faith in the many organizations they helped serve. Some of the places he put his faith into action were Crossview Lutheran Church in various roles, VEAP and Global Health Ministries, an organization that sends medical equipment and supplies overseas to hospitals and orphanages. At home, he cherished his family, and believed life was meant to be enjoyed together. Having everyone together was what he valued most. He was an active participant in putting together large family gatherings which often involved setting up and playing volleyball, badminton, croquet and filling dozens of waterballoons to shoot two-man waterballoon slingshots in the backyard. He had a playful spirit that brought laughter into every stage of life. You could find him outside playing catch or getting down on the floor playing legos, marbles, board games and card games with his kids and later, his grandkids. Cal was a man of faith, integrity, an excellent listener and strong encourager. He and Darlene were married 67 years until she passed away in 2024. They had 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. All those whose lives he touched will profoundly feel his absence. Calvin is survived by his 4 children: Laurie Senechal, Linda (John) Stasieluk, Brian (Mary Beth) Senechal, Lisa (Joel) Vokaty, 6 grandchildren: Leah Stasieluk (Alex Novak), Dana (Alex) Behrend, Grant (Hannah) Senechal, Carter Calvin (Rachel) Senechal, Taya (Mark) Scheller, Connor Calvin Vokaty (Tayler Zingelman), and 4 great-grandchildren: Wayne Calvin Senechal, Rose Mary Senechal, Calvin David Senechal and Eleanor Marie Senechal. His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 29 at Crossview Lutheran Church, 6645 McCauley Trail W, Edina, MN 55439. Visitation at 10am, funeral at 11am and lunch reception to follow at the church. Memorials may be directed to Global Health Ministries. www.washburn-mcreavy.com Werness Brothers Bloomington Chapel 952-884-8145