Gary Francis Mensen, 75, of Lubbock, Texas, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.
A memorial service was at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. A graveside service followed at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Gary Mensen was born on Nov. 30, 1947, in Ashton, Iowa, to Alphonse and Anna Marie Mensen. He grew up in Wilmont throughout his elementary school years and later moved to Adrian, where he graduated from Adrian High School in 1965. After graduation Gary worked for the highway department and eventually moved on to work at Terrace Park Dairy.
Gary married Barb on July 26, 1969, in Luverne. In 1976 the family moved to Independence, Missouri, where Gary ran his own milk route. In 1978 Gary took a route salesman position for Schwan's in Garden City, Kansas, which later brought him to Canyon, Texas, in 1981. Gary and Barb moved to Lubbock in 2001.
In November of 2018, Gary was diagnosed with myelofibrosis. In May of 2019, Gary and Barb temporarily moved to Dallas, Texas, where Gary received cancer treatment at Baylor, Scott and White. On June 6, 2019, Gary underwent a stem cell transplant made possible by a generous donor from Germany.
In January of 2020, Gary and Barb returned to Lubbock, Texas, where he continued his cancer treatment until March of 2020. In the fall of 2022 the cancer returned. Barb was at his side throughout his journey with cancer.
Gary was a member of Saint Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lubbock. He served in the Catholic church throughout his life. His perseverance and unwavering faith in God were truly admirable.
Gary joined the Knights of Columbus in 1977 as a 3rd degree Knight. Gary enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Gary was known for his witty jokes and making everyone laugh. He had a caring and outgoing personality.
Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara Mensen; three children, Brad (Niki) Mensen of Lubbock, Brian (Stephanie) Mensen of Amarillo, Texas, and Jennifer (Craig) Payne of Lubbock; eight grandchildren, Savanna (Michael) Norman of Amarillo, Skylar Mensen and Tory of Amarillo, Morgen Williamson and her husband Jacob Carrasco of Lubbock, Seth (Caitlin) Williamson of College Station, Texas, Alisen Mallory (Dre) of Amarillo, Alyssa (Kevin) Shoemaker of Lubbock, Kirstie Mensen of Gaffney, South Carolina, and Courtney Payne and Riley Smythe of Lubbock; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings Mike (Karen) Mensen of Luverne, Clara (Ron) Arends of Magnolia, Frances (Roger) Reese of Bridgewater, South Dakota, Colleta (Patrick) Metz of Adrian and Margaret (Lyle) Recker of Sherburn; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; a sister, Pat Emich; and four angel babies.
Arrangements were provided by Sanders Funeral Home of Lubbock, Texas, sandersfuneralhome.com.
(0309 F)