Former Two-Sport Athlete Joe Senser Passes Away at 69

Joe Senser, 69, passed away peacefully in Edina, Minn., on May 7, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Originally from Hershey, Pa., Senser graduated from the Milton Hershey School and attending West Chester University as a Criminal Justice major. A two-sport all-star athlete while at West Chester University, Senser built an impressive athletic career in basketball, before becoming an all-pro tight end in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for six seasons.
 
A 1,000-point scorer on the hardwood for West Chester's basketball program from 1975-79, Senser still ranks ninth all-time in career rebounds (738). He led the nation in field goal percentage in two of his four years while playing basketball. On the gridiron for the Golden Rams' football program, Senser was named team captain In 1978. He set school records for catches (155) and yards receiving (2,186) by a tight end which still stand to this day. He was inducted into the WCU's Killinger Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1999.
 
Senser played five seasons in the NFL (1980-84) and caught 165 passes for 1,822 yards and 16 touchdowns over 49 games – all with the Minnesota Vikings. He was named all-pro in 1981 when he led the Vikings in receiving with 1,004 yards and 8 TDs.

Following his NFL career, Senser worked in sports commentary for both local and national radio broadcasts and continued supporting the Wayzata High School football program as an assistant coach. In the early 1990s, he became the owner and operator of Joe Senser's Sports Theater and Restaurant, which expanded to four locations throughout the Minneapolis area. Senser also returned to Pennsylvania to serve on the Board of Directors for the Milton Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Amy Senser; his daughters, Brittani Senser, Ashlee Senser, Molly Senser, and Hannah (Daniel) Waggoner; son, A.J. (Tomicka) Sieve; sister, Eileen (Paul) O'Leary; brother, Bob (Linda) Senser; and grandchildren Brixton, Ledger, Jonny, and Luxe. He is also survived by many nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday May 14, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. all at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th St., Edina. 952-920-3996. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Michael Senser please visit our Sympathy Store.