Obituary for John Edward Ensminger

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Carol, Matt, Pat, and Mike, I express my sympathy for your loss. I have spoken of John often throughout the years. Working with John and Stanley at the locker are some of my favorite memories. I will never forget him. John was more than just an employer; he was a dear friend. He always made time for me when I visited Wapello. John could always put a smile on my face with his humor. I loved laughing at his off-the-cuff comments and the practical jokes he and Stanley pulled on us at the locker. John's smile was infectious. I admired his great sense of family. John always beamed with pride when the boys came to the locker. He always had great things to say about his family. I was gratified by the trust he and Carol put in me to watch the boys one weekend many years ago. John had a great impact on my life. His patience with me as I learned my job gave confidence to a young teen trying to find his place in the world. I credit John as one of the people who helped shape me into the person I am today. I will miss John dearly. I will forever keep him close to my heart. With love, Bob and Marlys Jennings Algona, Iowa

Our condolences to your entire family. We will remember John as having a great smile, laugh and sense of humor. So glad you are having a celebration of John's life. It will give you all many great memories to carry with you. You are all in our prayers.

Matt, Pat, Mike, and Carol, Sorry for your loss. I appreciate all the time that he spent coaching us in baseball. He made the game fun and was always enthusiastic. He also new what he was doing and taught us to play hard and have fun. I appreciate his sense of humor and I will never forget when he put me in at 3rd base for the first time. He had confidence and I was not that sure. During the game a high pop fly was hit to me. When I tried to get my hat out of the way, my glove came off. I did not want to disappoint the coach, so I caught the ball bare handed. John laughed and laughed and I think that almost everytime that I saw him after that, he would bring it up and crack up laughing. It is a great memory for me. Thanks for sharing him with the team. May God bless him and keep him! Kevin McGuire

Matt, Pat, Mike, and Carol, My sympathies to all of you. I have fond memories of all of you. I was one of your babysitters so many many years ago and worked with John at Walgren's Market also. You are in my prayers. Debbie Turley Schmidt

Carol, Matt, Pat, and Mike, I am so sorry to hear about John passing. He will forever be in my childhood memories. I remember us playing countless games of kickball, wiffleball, and football in your yard for a good two summers and also building huge snow forts. John always had to give us grief when he returned home from work about our athletic talents or lack there of. He never cared about the base paths we created in his yard or how many times we smacked the windows or side of the house from our games. HIs infectious smile will always be remembered with many warm feelings. Hugs to you all! Linda Patterson Nichols

Carol, Matt, Pat, Mike, and Families, I'm so sorry to hear about John's passing. I will always remember the endless baseball games I got dragged to every summer to watch Mike and my brother Mikel play ball. John LOVED to tease me, and although I tried to act like I didn't like it, I secretly didn't mind. He always made me laugh and smile. He will be missed.

I have so many memories of Johnny ever since I was a little girl. I remember his smile, his sense of humor, his hospitality, and his wisdom. I spent so much time at John and Carol's house while I was growing up and as an adult with my kids. There are so many memories of Lake Okoboji (the first time I tried to ski, and how patient John was), and of 7 ponds, going to their' permenant spot on the weekends. Johnny was very special to our whole family and he will be missed so much. Love, Lori

I have many fond memories of you and your family from my youth John. You were a support and a big part of my growing up years in Mt. Pleasant. The memories most precious to me are in Mt. Pleasant and Mediapolis which include many family get-togethers, cookouts, 7-Ponds, Lake Okoboji, boating, football game celebrations. I am glad that you were a part of our family and will never forget your smile, your laugh and your sincerity. May you rest in peace with our Lord in heaven. Your memory will be in my heart forever. Love Vickie

Matt, Pat and Mike, Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I hope that you all find peace and comfort in the memories that are being shared here. It is difficult to know where to begin. Growing up, your house (and the camper and the locker) was a home-away-from-home for so many kids in Mediapolis. Your mom and dad were so welcoming and cared for everyone that went in and out of their door. Whether it was through sports, other activities or just through hanging out with your friends, your dad had a positive impact on so many lives. I can still see him getting home from work, getting out of the truck to find a hundred kids in his yard, and, with that big smile spreading across his face, asking us "How are you girls doing?" Please kow that you all are in the thoughts and prayers of so many. I will see you on Wednesday.

Carol, Matt, Pat, Mike, Some of my best memories as a young man involve your family and your father. John will be missed but the impact and memories he provided all of us will last forever. Reese Strickland and Family

Carol, Matt, Pat, Mike I was sorry to hear of Johns passing. I have alot of good memories of him and I sharing some of your athletic achievments. He would always stop and talk every time he drove by the house. Please accept my sympathy Kim Whiton.

We are very sorry to hear of John's passing Friday. Living up here in Des Moines I found out through my parents email Saturday. John will be missed very much! He was a very charismatic person and we were privileged to have known him growing up with Matt, Pat, and Michael. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Chuck, Cindy, and Eva Gerst

Carol, Matt, Pat and Mike, Where do I begin..... The memories I have of John and all of you are unforgetable. It was always fun to come over to the Ensminger's house or go to 7 ponds and hang out at the camp site. It was always the place to be. I'm also so thiankful for the job John gave me at the meat locker during my summers. There was never a dull day. Even as I grew up and had my own house, John still could alway find a way to make me smile, it seamed like he always knew when I was out mowing my yard (which I hate), because he would always drive by wave and grin. He could always make me smile. I will truely miss that man. My heart breaks for all of you.

I am so sorry that you have lost your Father. We had so many memories with John and Carol. God Bless and with love, Fondly, Patti

Thanks for your valuable time and sharing of your knowledge while coaching my boys and many lucky other ones during baseball seasons.

You will be missed dear John. You have brought our family so may good memories over the years. I pretty much grew up in your household during the weekends. I loved visiting you, my sister and my darling nephews. The memories of Seven ponds, Okoboji and Colorado are so special to me. May you rest in eternal peace in heaven above. Love, Debbie

Our deepest sympathy to you and your families. Not only were we neighbors watching you boys grow up, watching you play sports and the success you achieved, but we have many fun memories of Okoboji, boating, teaching our kids to ski. Your family was so patient and encouraging.F

Prayers are with you and your family, Carol.

Matt, Pat, Mike, Carol and Families, Zach and I send our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. May God Bless you all! Lonna and Zach

Pat and Family, You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Dad and friend to many. Sincerely, Sonja and Jerry Hopson