Harlan Wayne Mensink

Harlan Wayne Mensink, 96, of Ostrander, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Ostrander Care & Rehab Center.

Harlan was born August 3, 1927, in Cherry Grove, Minn., to David and Anna Mensink.  He graduated from Wykoff High School in June 1945.  Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served on the U.S.S. Current ARS 22 and was discharged May 1946.

When he returned from the service he went to work at the Ostrander Bank, where he worked for 67 years, starting out as a bookkeeper. 

On September 9, 1950, he married his beautiful bride of 62 years, Harriet Ask of rural Lanesboro. She passed in 2013. 

In 1952 -1953 he was recalled to service in the US Army and served in Korea with the 440th SACB and received a notice of separation from Active Duty in 1953 and then assigned to U.S. Army Reserve.  He was then discharged in1960.

Upon discharge from service, he returned to the Ostrander Bank until he retired as president in 1992 and continued on a part-time basis until 2013.

Harlan’s commitment to community service was inspiring and extensive.  He served on the city council and as mayor of Ostrander.  He also served on more than a dozen organizations, as a board member or secretary/treasurer or in other capacities to strengthen the community.  Harlan was a member of the Spring Valley VFW and especially proud to be a 75 year Charter Member of the American Legion Post 544.  Harlan was a lifetime member of the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church and served over 30 years as the church treasurer.

Harlan enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling and loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in all types of sports and activities.  He was a gentle, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  

He is survived by his children Bruce (Pam) Mensink and Debra (Doug) Wolford, grandchildren Ben (Sarah) Mensink, Lindsay (Eric) Schmeling, Kristin Wolford, Kelly (Tony) Wolford, Kari Wolford, Josh (Haley) Wolford; and great-grandchildren Brynn, Logan, Emmett, Kiley, Elliot, Evan and Norah.

Harlan was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and siblings Edward, Donald, Alene Turner, Olive Hamlin, Arlys Michener, Esther Glady, Lucile Ask and Clarice Mensink.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church, Cherry Grove Cemetery or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services for Harlan will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Cherry Grove United Methodist Church in Cherry Grove, Minn., with Pastor Mark Rader officiating. Burial with military honors will be held following the service in the Cherry Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11-12:30 p.m. Saturday at the church. 

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.