Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Mensink, 96

Oct. 22, 1921 —

Jan. 20, 2018

 

Lime Springs - Kenny Mensink, age 96, of Lime Springs, Iowa died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at Ostrander Care and Rehab in Ostrander, Minn. 

The funeral service will be Friday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m., at Lime Springs United Methodist Church. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. on Thursdsay, Jan. 25 at the Lime Springs Community Center and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Kenneth E. “Kenny” Mensink was born Oct. 22, 1921 in Carimona Township of Fillmore County, Minn. to Art and Clara (Drury) Mensink. He married Evelyn Hendrickson on Aug. 13, 1942 at Cherry Grove Methodist Church by Reverend Zahl. 

Kenny served in the Army from 1942-1945 and had many stories to tell about WWII and serving under General Patton. He was one of the brave soldiers who landed on the shore of France and fought in the Battle of Normandy. Later he marched with the American troops through Paris when it was liberated. He was in France, Holland and Luxemburg and finally Germany. Kenny is quoted as saying “I’m glad I went, but I wouldn’t want to do it again.” 

Following the war, he and Evelyn farmed in the Cherry Grove and Lime Springs areas for about 20 years. They moved to Lime Springs in 1964. Kenny ran a blacksmith shop, and then they ran the Lime Springs Standard Station, while Evelyn continued to raise their seven children. He also drove school bus for over 20 years. 

Kenny loved horses, woodworking and driving his golf cart around Lime Springs. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his family and watching them play sports. 

Kenny is survived by six children, Larry Mensink of St. Ansgar, Iowa, Karen Heyer of Spring Valley, Minn., Darla Heusinkveld of Spring Valley, Vickie (Rich) Ator of Lime Springs, Bryce (Brenda) Mensink of LeRoy, Minn. and Becky (Steve) Sjostrom of Spring Valley; a daughter-in-law, Janet Mensink of Lime Springs; 22 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren with one on the way; five great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; three siblings, Ardis Souhrada, Delores Nagel and Curtis (Trudy) Mensink; two sisters-in-law, Dolly Mensink and Beverly Mensink; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Robert) Emerson. 

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, and a son, Allen, both in 2015; two sons-in-law, Jeffrey Heusinkveld and Gary Heyer, both in 2016; a granddaughter, Brooke Mensink in 1982; two brothers, Arlyn and John; and a sister, Carol Lou Mensink.