Kenny Mensink, age 96, of Lime Springs, Iowa, died Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Ostrander Care and Rehab in Ostrander, Minn. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Lime Springs, Iowa, with burial in Cherry Grove Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Lime Springs Community Center and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Kenneth E. “Kenny” Mensink was born October 22, 1921, in Carimona Township, Fillmore County, Minn., to Art and Clara (Drury) Mensink. He was married to Evelyn Hendrickson on August 13, 1942, at the Cherry Grove Methodist church, by Reverend Zahl.
Kenny served in the Army from 1942 to 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 on, Kenny marched with the American Troops through Paris when it was liberated. Kenny was in France, Holland and Luxembourg 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, Kenny 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 and one on the way; five great-great-grandchildren and 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 wife Evelyn’s sister, Marilyn (Robert) Emerson.
Kenny was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn and 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.