Rodney Mense

Rodney James Mense, age 90, of Angelus, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Gove County Medical Center. He was born March 16, 1934, to Lawrence and Louise (Ostmeyer) Mense.

Rodney attended grade school in Angelus and was a graduate of Maur Hill High School, in Atchison, KS.

On October 16, 1956, Rodney was united in marriage to Frances Zerr, at Sacred Heart Church, in Park, KS. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Leland and Larry.

As a life-long farmer and rancher, Rodney took pride in planting the seed and harvesting the crop. He was also a craftsman and built cabinets for friends and family. His work was always done with precision. He also worked with metals and could repair machines from the planter to the combine. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf.

Rodney was a man of faith. Many weekends he would attend mass Saturday evening and also Sunday morning. He said his prayers every night using his well worn prayerbook and a rosary hung from the mirror of every tractor. He truly lived his faith every day.

As an active member of his church and community, Rodney served on the school board, was a Tri-County member and officer, 4-H Woodworking Leader, and helped with the Grinnell After Harvest Fest. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and was on the Parish Council along with being a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a past Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator.

Rodney’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a delight. He enjoyed their antics and funny remarks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Louise; infant sister Johanna and sister Janice Zerr.

Rodney is survived by his wife Frances, Grinnell; children, Leland (Christy), Grinnell, and Larry, Grinnell; sister Joan Weinhardt, Grinnell; grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) Grennan, Manhattan, KS, Andrew (Bekah) Mense, Portland, OR, Steven Mense, Kansas City, MO, and Carolyn (Alex) DeMasi, Kansas City, MO; great grandchildren, Clair, Carter and Eli Grennan and James Mense.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Rodney will be missed by many.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Angelus. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, with burial in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Grinnell. Memorials may be made to the Grinnell Senior Center or St Paul Church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com