Violet Marie Mensing

Violet was born on January 20, 1933, in Blue Earth, Minn., to Albert and Alta (Ehrich) Renkly, the eldest of 9 children. As a child she attended a one-room country school in Prescott Township before attending Blue Earth High School. She was a woman of deep faith, having been baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Blue Earth. Violet married Henry Mensing in 1949 and together they made their home on the family farm near the Blue Earth River. After her husband’s passing in 1991, Violet continued to live on the farm until 2021.

Violet lived a life of service. As a young mother she also took care of her brother-in-law, Emil, for 7 years (Down’s Syndrome). She was active in local organizations such as the Neighborhood Club and Garden Club; and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and Ladies’ Aide at St. Paul’s. She also taught cooking to 4-H children for 10 years.

Her hobbies and interests were many and included studying art, bird watching, dancing, playing Bridge, gardening, flower arranging, bowling, travel logs, visiting museums, attending concerts and theater. Sewing, knitting, and crochet were her pastimes as well, with her hand crafted items becoming treasured heirlooms. She spent several years sewing draperies with her sister Marian. Another activity she frequently enjoyed was playing golf at Riverside Town and Country Club, and participated in many tournaments.

But most of all she loved to travel, especially with family and friends. As a passionate adventurer she toured the southern states, Mexico, Alaska, Canada and Europe with her husband and friends. Later she explored the Holy Land, the western states, New York, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Hawaii, Florida and Bahama cruises.

Above all, Violet cherished time spent with her family. She delighted in hosting gatherings, creating memorable moments that warmed the hearts of those around her. She left a lasting impression on her children of the importance of staying connected with extended family, concern for your neighbors, and the importance of good friends for a loyal and loving life. Violet will be deeply missed by her children, Dale (Linda) of Lester Prairie, Kent of Blue Earth, Lisa of Stillwater and Neal (Brenda) of Blue Earth; grandchildren, Sara Crew, Patrick Pfeffer, Steven Pfeffer, Kirsten Mensing, Lindsay Mensing, Nicole Jirsa, Sajjad Soltani, Shauna Morales, Jared Mensing, Hadley Mensing, Grace Mensing, Matthew Koenecke and Emily Hanson; 20 great-grandchildren, with 2 on the way; siblings, Marion DeLeon, Richard (Eunyce) Renkly, Elaine Alderink, Alice (Harley) Kuchenbecker and Rodger (Jody) Renkly; sisters-in-law, Corrine Renkly and Anne Renkly; and son-in-law, Bill (Linda) Pfeffer; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; daughter, Sheryl Pfeffer; grandsons, Ryan Mensing and Nathan Mensing; brothers, Maynard Renkly, Harold Renkly and Darold Renkly; and in-laws, including Herb and Evelyn Mensing, Louise and Sylvan Poppe, Irene and Ronald Larweck, Esther and Ervin Yahnke, Milda and John Lehnartz, Emil Mensing, Earl Alderink, Arnold DeLeon and Pat Renkly.

Memorials preferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Lupus Foundation, S.A.V.E., or Interfaith Caregivers in Violet’s memory.