Gary Francis Mensen

Gary Francis Mensen, 75, of Lubbock, Texas passed away February 22, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born on November 30, 1947, in Ashton, IA to Alphonse and Anna Marie Mensen. Gary was the oldest of 7 children. He grew up in Wilmont, MN throughout his elementary school years and later moved to Adrian, MN where he finished his schooling and graduated from Adrian High School in 1965. After graduation, Gary worked for the highway department and eventually moved on to work at Terrace Park Dairy. Not long after this, Gary met Barb at his cousin's wedding dance. He had owed Barb a dance in exchange for her ironing his tuxedo earlier that day. After the dance, Gary took Barb home to meet his parents. Gary knew from the first time he laid eyes on Barb that she would be the one he would later marry. It took Barb a little longer, but she soon realized that Gary was the man for her. They later got married on July 26, 1969, in Luverne, MN and had their honeymoon in Black Hills, SD. In 1970 they started their family and went on to have three beautiful children. In 1976, Gary and his young family moved to Independence, MO so Gary could run his own milk route. Gary joined the Knights of Columbus in 1977 as a 3rd degree Knight and continued to serve in the Church throughout his life. In 1978, Gary took a route salesman position for Schwan's in Garden City, KS which later brought him to Canyon, TX in 1981. Gary and Barb moved to Lubbock in 2001 and their family continued to grow. They eventually would go on to have 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. In November of 2018, Gary was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis. In May of 2019, Gary and Barb temporarily moved to Dallas, TX where Gary received cancer treatment at Baylor, Scott and White. On June 6, 2019, Gary underwent a stem cell transplant made possible by a generous donor from Germany. In January of 2020, Gary and Barb returned to Lubbock, TX where he continued his cancer treatment. His strength, resilience, and faith in God allowed him to beat cancer in March of 2020. In the fall of 2022, they discovered the cancer had returned. Throughout his whole journey with cancer, Barb never left his side.
Gary had a smile that lit up the room and could make everyone laugh with his witty jokes. Gary was dealt many challenges and obstacles throughout his life; however, his smile never wavered. His perseverance and unwavering faith in God were truly admirable. Gary and Barb had an unconditional love for one another and were the perfect illustration of a strong, Christ-centered marriage. Gary was an amazing husband, father, and papa who created a nickname for everyone he met. His grandkids enjoyed sitting on his lap and spending any chance they had with him. He taught them a special song at a young age which he titled "The Booger Song". Gary was such a light and he never met a stranger; everyone that knew him referred to him as "Papa". His caring and outgoing personality will never be forgotten, and he will truly be missed by all.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Mensen, of 53 years; his 3 children: Brad Mensen and his wife Niki of Lubbock, TX, Brian Mensen and his wife Stephanie of Amarillo, TX, Jennifer Payne and her husband Craig of Lubbock, TX; his 8 grandchildren: Savanna Norman and her husband Michael of Amarillo, TX, Skylar Mensen and Tory of Amarillo, TX, Morgen Williamson and her husband Jacob Carrasco of Lubbock, TX, Seth Williamson and his wife Caitlin of College Station, TX, Alisen Mallory and her husband Dre of Amarillo, TX, Alyssa Shoemaker and her husband Kevin of Lubbock, TX, Kirstie Mensen of Gaffney, SC, Courtney Payne and Riley Smythe of Lubbock, TX; 12 great grandchildren: Cassidy, Journi, Kylan, Traesyn, Londyn, Trinity, Zaivryn, Daxton, Myla, Jaxtyn, Emberlee, Piper, his siblings: Mike Mensen and his wife Karen of Luverne, MN, Clara (Claude) Arends and her husband Ron of Magnolia, MN, Frances (Frank) Reese and her husband Roger (Short) of Bridgewater, SD, Colleta (Melvie) Metz and her husband Patrick (Cowboy) of Adrian, MN, Margaret (Maggie) Recker and her husband Lyle (Rock) of Sherburn, MN, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and many others who called him Papa.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Alphonse and Anna Marie Mensen, sister Pat Emich, and four angel babies.
The visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Home on Sunday February 26, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. followed by a rosary in Sanders Memorial Chapel at 7:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church on Monday February 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. A webcast of services will be available for those who are unable to attend, as well as an online guest book.