Wendell Lee Lensch

Wendell Lee Lensch, the son of Herbert and Gladys (Marquesen) Lensch, was born May 13, 1928, at his parents’ home near Elk Horn, Iowa and died August 24, 2014, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa at the age of 86 years, 3 months, and 11 days.
Wendell was baptized as an infant at his parents’ home and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. He attended rural school “Sharon # 9” then graduated from the Exira High School with the class of 1947. Wendell attended a technical school in Chicago, Illinois. On January 4, 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his tour of duty he served as a Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea. He was honorably discharged on October 25, 1952. While in the service he was united in marriage to Margarite Casillas. They were the parents of two daughters Kimberly and Marilee. They returned to Exira and Wendell joined his father and brother Bill in the family plumbing and heating business.
In September of 1971 he married Norma (Sale) Hartsook in Omaha, Nebraska. Wendell welcomed Norma’s children Tim, Deanna, Marsha, and Scott into their home. Wendell and Norma operated Lensch Plumbing and Heating until they retired from the business in 1993 which Wendell had been involved in for almost 50 years. Wendell enjoyed bass fishing and flying radio controlled model airplanes. Norma moved to the Exira Care Center in December of 2008 and Wendell faithfully visited her several times on a daily basis. Norma died September 5, 2010. Wendell enjoyed the family home until he moved to the Exira Care Center on August 29, 2012.
Wendell was a member of Ballou Post #332 American Legion, Exira, Iowa. He had received a Certificate of Appreciation for sponsoring the Harlan Shrine T-patrol at the annual Exira 4th of July Celebration for over 25 years. He was an active member of the Exira Lions Club. Wendell enjoyed watching football and nature shows on the television.
Preceding him in death in addition to his wife Norma Jean were his parents; his brothers Herbert “Bud” Lensch, William “Bill” and wife Treva Lensch, Buel Lensch and his sister Joyce Anciaux.
Survivors include his daughters Kimberly and husband Jay Curtice of Grand Junction, Colorado and Marilee and husband Dennis Smith of Aurora, Colorado; his grandchildren Jessica Vaughn and daughters Leigha and Adysen, Jason Smith, Jared Smith, Michael and wife Brandi Brosam and son Christopher, and Elizabeth Mc Cann and son Aden Lee; his step-children Tim and wife Rose Hartsook of La Porte City, Iowa, Deanna and husband Guy Blagg of Granger, Iowa, Marsha and husband Steve Milder of Maynard, Iowa, and Scott Hartsook and husband Dennis Groenenboom of Des Moines, Iowa; his step-grandchildren Matt Milder, Mark and wife Lisa Milder and children McKenzie, Alexis, and Jace, Shelley and husband Paul Stevens and daughter Daisy, Jasmine Hartsook, and Randall and wife Sylvia Blagg and son Hunter; his sisters-in-law Barb Lensch of Glidden, Iowa and Ruby Lensch of St. Simons Island, Georgia; brother-in-law Bill Anciaux of Exira, Iowa; niece Lisa and husband Terry Knudsen of Exira, Iowa, other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.