Harriet Janice Mensink, 86, Ostrander

Published 10:31 am Monday, January 7, 2013

Harriet Janice Mensink, 86, of Ostrander, Minn., died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Harriet J. Mensink

Harriet was born April 30, 1926, near Lanesboro, Minn., to Henry and Julia (Ramsey) Ask. She attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1943. After completing teacher training in Preston, Minn., Harriet taught in rural schools in Fillmore and Houston County until 1950.

Harriet married Harlan Mensink on Sept. 9, 1950, and they made their home in Ostrander. She was a member of the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church. Harriet worked at the Ostrander State Bank for nearly 30 years, while also taking time at home to start a family and care for her children. She was a long time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church Ladies Aid. For nearly 28 years, Harriet assisted Harlan as the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church Treasurer. She also enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports, golfing and bowling until she was unable, crocheting, crossword puzzles and the Minnesota Twins.

Harriet is survived by her husband Harlan of Ostrander; son Bruce (Pam) Mensink of Rochester; daughter Deb (Doug) Wolford of Avon, Minn.; six grandchildren, Ben (Sarah) Mensink of LeRoy, Minn., Lindsay (Eric) Schmeling of Rochester, Kristin Wolford, missionary in the Dominican Republic, Kelly Wolford of Avon, Kari Wolford of St. Anthony, Minn., Josh Wolford of Perham, Minn.; two great granddaughters, Kiley Jo and Brynn Rae; sisters-in-law, Arlene Turner of Hastings, Minn., Ione Mensink of Wood Lake, Minn., Lucile Ask of Lanesboro, and Arlys (Duane) Michener of Spring Valley, Minn., as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Myran Ask and sister Charlotte Lohmann.

Funeral services for Harriet Mensink will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Cherry Grove United Methodist Church in Cherry Grove, Minn., with Pastor Mark Rader and Pastor Beth Perez officiating. Burial will be held at Cherry Grove Cemetery. Friends and family may gather at Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials are preferred to the Arthritis Foundation, Cherry Grove United Methodist Church and Cherry Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.