Linwood Ensminger

Linwood Carl Ensminger, 93, of Mansfield, passed away Friday afternoon, January 2, 2015, at Crystal Care Center. He was born March 23, 1921, in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to the late Alice (Marsh) and Clarence E. Ensminger.

Life presented challenges along the way, but Linwood maintained faith. He was raised in an orphanage from the age of 4. Linwood graduated from Lewisburg High School in Pennsylvania and Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a Chaplain's assistant at the Battle of the Bulge during WWII. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal from the 75th Division of the 290th Infantry. He was awarded several commendations while in the Army including: the Meritorious Unit Award, European African Middle East Theater Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

His calling as a pastor in the Free Methodist Church took him to several churches in Ohio for 33 years and in Florida for 15 years. His insight into the unique needs of a church was invaluable as he assisted in designing church buildings. In his later years, he enjoyed making baskets, many of which were given as gifts to family and friends.

He is survived by two sons, Brian Ensminger and Dale (Karen) Ensminger, both of Ontario; three grandchildren, Dustin (Jennifer) Ensminger of Lexington, Jason (Lisa) Ensminger of Crestline and Beth (Chris) Julian of Ontario; seven great-grandchildren, Anthony, Trenton, Devin, Anastasia, Emily, Payton and Molly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Page Ensminger on March 31, 2011; and ten brothers and sisters.

A funeral service conducted by Pastor Tony Viscioni will be held Monday, January 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Ontario Free Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will be presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Linwood may be made to Ontario Free Methodist Church, 2200 Bedford Blvd., Ontario, OH 44906. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.