Vincent Lensing

Vincent Lensing, age 90, of Decorah, Iowa, died peacefully at Comfort House in Pella, Iowa, on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, after a short battle with cancer. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2019, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah, Iowa, with the Reverend Donald Hertges presiding over the celebration of life.   Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and inurnment will take place after Mass, at St. Benedict’s Cemetery in Decorah.  A reception will follow at 1502 Skyline Drive, Decorah. 

Vincent Alexander Lensing was born October 20, 1928, to Hugo and Mathilda (Schrandt) Lensing on the family farm in Festina, Iowa.  He attended Catholic school at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina and served two years in the U.S. Army, in Germany. Vincent worked at Calmar (Iowa) Manufacturing for 40 years, retiring in 1990.  On February 19, 2001, Vincent married Ruth Franzen, the highlight of his life, and they resided in Decorah.   

Vincent loved his independence and was fond of cruising the country roads, until macular degeneration robbed him of his eyesight and he lost his driver’s license. Despite his limited vision, Vince was still able to drive his riding lawn mower to mow the lawn and get his mail, and by sitting very close to the TV, he could still watch his favorites, wrestling and MSNBC news. Vince never complained about his aches, pains or disabilities, of which he had many. His pat answer to “how are you doing” was always “I’m fine,” or “I’m almost perfect.”  

Vincent is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; stepdaughter Sue (Jack) Drilling of Decorah and three stepsons: Steven (Marylynn) Franzen, Madison, Wis.; James (Roxane) Franzen, Denver, Iowa; and John Franzen, Decorah.  He is also survived by two sisters: Lori Russell, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Judy Lensing, Des Moines, Iowa; six nephews: Dale (Lisa) Lensing, Otley, Iowa; Doug Strub, Phoenix Ariz.; Gabe Lensing Jr., Redondo Beach, Calif.; Michael Lensing, Tahoe, Nev.; Rafe Russell, Anchorage, Alaska; and John Gerdes, Tucson, Ariz.; six nieces: Debra Fishnick, Dubuque, Iowa; Robyn Russell, Fairbanks, Alaska; Heather Gerdes, Studio City; Calif.; Julia Bernstein, Tucson, Ariz.; Lisa Hart, Altoona, Iowa; Cindy (Martin) Hageman, Ft. Atkinson, Iowa; and Karleen Baumler, West Union, Iowa; and two sisters-in-law: Alice Lensing, Festina, and Marlys Lensing, Pella.

Vincent was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marie Strub and Lillian Gerdes; brothers, Gabriel Lensing, James Lensing, and Stan Lensing; brother-in-law, James Strub; and niece, Sandra Cushing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to American Cancer Society; the Alzheimer Association; or St. Benedict Church in Decorah.

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