Lensing, Ralph Theodore 1924-2011
LENSING, TIMP, ZWEIBOHMER, SCHMITT, BURKE, REED, PICHA, NOVOTNY, DARK, SMITH, SCHISSEL, PASKER, SCHUTTE, PETERSEN, MAHER, FOLKER
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/25/2012 at 13:11:18
Ralph “Jackie” Lensing, age 87, of Festina, IA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, IA, with Monsignor Cletus Hawes presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m., on Friday at the Festina Parish Center in Festina. There will be a rosary at 4:00 and a scripture service at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
Ralph Theodore Lensing was born on March 25, 1924, the son of John and Elizabeth (Timp) Lensing in Festina, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina. Following his schooling, he entered the U.S. Army serving in World War II, from 1943-46. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the 311th Infantry Regiment 78th Division, in which he was a machine gunner. On November 27, 1946, Jackie was united in marriage to Corrine Zweibohmer at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, by Rev. Nosbich. To this union, seven children were born. Jackie purchased the Standard Station in Festina in 1950, and in 1957 he and Corrine built the Festina Café. In 1960, he built the Auto Body Shop, where he was self-employed until he retired. Ralph was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Rosary Society, and the Halverson – Giesen American Legion Post #266 in Calmar, IA. Ralph loved cars, fishing and playing cards. He enjoyed watching CNN news. Ralph spent endless hours landscaping and doing yard work. He loved to pick and shell walnuts then give them to his family & friends at Christmas. He would relax by sitting on his front porch watching traffic go by when he wasn't tinkering in his garage. He especially enjoyed spending time with family, who will remember his faith and strength that he portrayed to them all.
Ralph is survived by his wife: Corrine Lensing, Festina, IA. Two sons: John (Rose) Lensing, Bettendorf, IA. David (Diane) Lensing, Postville, IA. Three daughters: Bette (Paul) Schmitt, Fort Atkinson, IA, Pam (Mike) Burke, DeWitt, IA, and Jeanne (Brian) Reed, Brownsville, MN. Seventeen grandchildren: Julie Lensing, Chris Lensing, Kyle Picha, April (Dan) Novotny, Angela (Michael) Dark, Andrea Lensing, Amanda (Brent) Smith, Alissa (Travis) Schissel, Sarah (Erik) Pasker, Todd Schmitt, Megan Schmitt, Melanie Burke, James Schutte, Joshua Schutte, Jennifer Schutte, Jacob Schutte and Jonathan Schutte. Seven great grandchildren: Justice Lensing, Cullen Lensing, Reese Dark, Landon Dark, Carter Smith, Laylah Schissel and Owen Petersen. Also surviving are two brothers: Greg (Arvella) Lensing, Davenport, IA, and Jerry (Debbie) Lensing, Milwaukee, WI. One sister-in-law: Oda Lensing, Decorah, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Jackie was preceded in death by his parents: John B. Lensing in 1968 and Elizabeth Lensing in 1981. Two sons: John Lensing on Dec. 10, 1949 and Richard on Nov. 13, 1970. Two sisters: Lydia Maher & Lucille Folker. Two brothers: Linus Lensing and Jerome Lensing.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ralph’s physician, Dr. Lanaghan, for his care and concern during the past several years. Also thank you to the Home Health Care nurses and aids of Decorah as well as the Heart of Iowa Hospice nurses for their wonderful care.
Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database
Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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