John A. “Johnny” Mensink, age 86 of Harmony, Minn., died Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Spring Valley Nursing Home in Spring Valley, Minn. Funeral services will be 10:30 Thursday, April 13, at the United Methodist Church in Harmony. Friends may call from 5–7 p.m. Wednesday at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony and at the church for an hour prior to services.
Johnny was born in Preston, Minn., on June 21, 1930 to Arthur and Clara (Drury) Mensink. He married Beverly Kunerth on March 22, 1953 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Johnny served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. While serving in Korea, he was a medic and an ambulance driver. When he returned from the Army, he and Beverly farmed west of Harmony, where they raised their four sons. In addition to operating a crop and dairy farm, Johnny also raised Holstein steers and did custom farm work. Johnny never really retired, as last fall he was helping with field work and in December, hauled three loads of hay to be sold at the hay sale. His farm will continue to be operated by family members.
Johnny was a lifelong member of the Root River Church of the Brethren, rural Preston. He was a member of the Preston American Legion, enjoyed bowling, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was a friend to all.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Beverly of Harmony; four sons: Rick (Sarah) Mensink of Harmony, Jay (Lynn) Mensink of Harmony, Lance (Patty) Mensink of Lanesboro and Mark (Sandy) of Preston; 10 grandchildren: Jason (Dawn) Mensink, Kari Mensink and friend Chris, Megan (Branden) O’Connor, Leah Knoke and friend Isaac, J.J. Mensink and friend Toni, Brenda (Brent) Afseth, Becky (Joel) Voca, Stacy Mensink, Cory Mensink, April Mensink and friend Ben; 17 great-grandchildren, four siblings: Ardis Souhrada of Rochester, Kenny Mensink of Lime Springs, Delores Nagel of Stewartville, and Curt (Trudy) Mensink of Marshall, Minn.; and a sister-in-law, Dolly Mensink of Pine Island, Minn.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Carol Lou Mensink; a brother, Arlyn Mensink; and three in-laws: Emil Souhrada, Evelyn Mensink and Newt Nagel.
John “Johnny” Mensink
