Donald B. Mense, Hoxie, KS, 82 passed away on Monday March 15, 2021, at
KU Medical Center, Kansas City KS. He was born April 30, 1938, in
Grinnell KS to Ben and Hilda (Ostmeyer) Mense, the oldest of 4 children.
Don graduated from Grinnell High School in 1955 and went on to
attend Benedictine College in Atchison KS. While home, Don met Florence
Zerr at a dance, and it was love at first sight for Don. He enlisted
in the US Army and spent two years serving his country while Flo
attended nursing school. He returned home to the farm, and married Flo,
the love of his life, on November 26, 1960. They were blessed with 60
years of marriage.
The couple began their married life together in Denver, but quickly
moved back to Grinnell, KS so that Don could follow his passion for
farming. They later moved to Hoxie, KS where Don began his banking
career at the Hoxie State Bank. Don served over 50 years at the bank, 30
of those as the bank president. Although he enjoyed the many
relationships he built with his bank customers and colleagues, he never
lost his passion for farming and his love of the land. He continued to
farm in his spare time and throughout his retirement years.
Don and Flo were blessed with three children. Flo was his world,
and he would do anything for her. They celebrated their 60th wedding
anniversary this past November. His love for his family and friends was
evident in all he did.
Don’s faith was his foundation and he passed his love of the Lord
onto his children and grandchildren. He always took time to pray and
attend mass. Don lived his life with prayer and spent many hours saying
the rosary while working the fields.
Don loved to play golf. He spent as much time as he could with
family and friends on the golf course. He always looked forward to his
golf nights and playing any tournament he could. Don was always quick
with a joke and always had a grin on his face. He loved watching his
grandchildren participate in all of their activities. The couple also
loved to travel and visited many different cities and countries.
Don was an active member of the Hoxie community. He was a member of
the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Rotary
Club, and Elks Club. He also served on many advisory boards throughout
the years, and enjoyed giving back to his community.
Don is survived by his wife, Flo of Hoxie KS, his children, Michael
(Cheri) Mense of Hoxie, KS, Maurica (Michael) Gilliland of Spring Hill,
KS and Malia Mense of Overland Park, KS; brothers Tom (Karen) Mense,
Grinnell KS, and Steve (Vickie) Mense, Asbury MO; grandchildren Allison
(Matt) Ebert, Ben (Tori) Mense, Mackenzie (Heath) Best, Nick (Ashley)
Gilliland, Layne Gilliland (Tanner Engweiler), Abriel Jarrett, and Ryder
Jarrett; great-grandchildren Henry and Luke Ebert, and Felix Gilliland.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Hilda Mense; sister, Micki Sweeney, and great grandson, Grady Best.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021,
10:00 A.M. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas.
Visitation will be Friday, March 19, 2021 at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home
from 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic
Church from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with family greeting friends
from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Vigil Service and Rosary will follow the
visitation at 7:00 P.M. at the church. Memorials are suggested to
Sheridan County Community Foundation, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic
Church, and The Vascular Health Foundation. Memorials may be sent in
care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.