Kenneth N. Mensendiek

Kenneth Norman Mensendiek was born December 28, 1933 to William and Elizabeth Mensendiek. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mae Chaudet and Ruth Abraham, his brother Charles Mensendiek and his wife of forty-one years, Juanita Gruwell Mensendiek.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Darline Honsinger Mensendiek of Raymore MO, his four children Tim Mensendiek (Emily) of Sunrise Beach, MO, Debbie McHenry (Jeff) of Leawood, KS, Brad Mensendiek (Holly) of Leawood, KS and Doug Mensendiek (Gretchen) of Olathe, KS as well as eight grandchildren, Blair Mensendiek, Ryan & Matt McHenry, John Bradley & Andrew Mensendiek, Katelyn, Elizabeth and Adam Mensendiek. Ken was privileged to have many additional family members grafted into his life through his marriage to Darline. He gained two stepsons, Gaylen Fowler of Raymore, MO and Rodney Fowler (Jan) of Kansas City, MO. Their combined 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren brought them much joy.

Ken was born and raised in St. Louis County, Missouri. He was a graduate of Pattonville High School Class of 1951. He proudly served in the US Army post occupation in Germany in 1953-1954, leaving for his tour of duty just weeks after marrying his high school sweetheart, Juanita. Upon returning from the military, he worked as a journeyman painter and later a realtor for Armbruster Realty. He was an active member and deacon of Fee Fee Baptist Church in Bridgeton, MO until moving to Camdenton, Missouri in 1974. Ken owned and ran EGR realty in Camdenton, Missouri. He also served as mayor of Camdenton from 1977-1979 and alderman from 1979-1981. An active member at First Baptist Church of Camdenton, he was a deacon there until 1984. Ken was also active in the Gideons International.

Ken and Juanita moved to the Kansas City area where Ken continued working in the real estate market and later worked for the US Census Bureau. He was an active member of Kansas City Baptist Temple, known as Graceway today, where he was a deacon and weekly volunteered his painting skills to keep the large facility restored. He served as a board member for the church-sponsored senior living facility, Temple Heights, and drove the church shuttle van for many years. He and Juanita sang in the church choir for most of the years of their marriage and enjoyed discipling new followers of Christ. When Juanita passed suddenly in 1995, church choir was where Ken got know the next love of his life, Darline. They married in 1996 and had 25 wonderful years together surrounded by their combined families, socializing with friends, worshipping together, facilitating their Sunday School class, and singing at the senior care facility where Darline’s mom finished out her 101 years. They lived in both Raytown and Grandview before settling into their home in Raymore. Ken was able to live out all of his years in his home with the help of Darline’s persistent love and many caregivers who helped him through his final years.

In life, Ken enjoyed serving others, drinking and preaching the importance of water for health, and most importantly knowing and serving God. An honorable veteran, his country was extremely important to him. Generally quiet-natured, he entertained his family with uncontrollable laughter while watching funny movies like Elf. His steady perseverance, commitment to the Lord and love for family will be sorely missed by his loved ones until we meet again in eternity.

Private services will be held for the family.