Raymond Ensz, age 88, of Osceola, South Dakota, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Society at De Smet, South Dakota.

His funeral service was held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 17th, at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois. Burial followed in the Faith Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Tuesday, August 16th, at the Kuhler Funeral Home; and then from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, at the Faith Mennonite Church, rural Iroquois, with grandchildren singing at 8:15 PM Tuesday evening at the church.

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My husband, our father, and our grandfather, Raymond Ensz, was born March 25, 1934, to John A. and Lena (Penner) Ensz, becoming the oldest of 11 children. His busy happy childhood was spent in the Inman, Kansas community, learning the rudiments of farming from his dad and other relatives. Dad's education was at South Liberty school, walking across the section from home and back. Dad answered God's call and became a member of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on April 17, 1949, being baptized by minister Harry Wenger. As a youth, he served 2 years in Santa Monica, California, in 1-W service.

While home on furlough, dad met his future wife, Joan Dirks. His father married them on September 4, 1955, in a double wedding ceremony with mom's sister, Gloria and Wayne Koehn. Through the years dad would often refer to mom as "my bride".

His first job after service was at Larned State Hospital at Larned, Kansas. Many lifelong friendships were formed during his service years. Our parents purchased a farm on the prairie east of Osceola, South Dakota, and moved there in March of 1956. Thus, they began their pioneer years in a small old house, but never too small to include friends, neighbors, or the salesman that just happened by at meal time, often willing to share his earthly possessions with those in need. Six children were added to the mix bringing love, laughter and energy. Dad's younger brothers came and helped with the farming duties when needed.

In 1965, dad was ordained a minister of the gospel, and mom faithfully supporting him. He willingly used his talent in this capacity, until his health failed. His goal was to not only preach the gospel, but to live it every day, to anyone he met. Dad was a letter writer, adventurer and a lover of nature, but what defined him the most was his love of people. His full-time farming days came to an end after being diagnosed with cancer in 1990. Dad's energies were then channeled into volunteering in various locations. Being a hospital chaplain was very dear to his heart, whether in New York city or his home town of Huron, South Dakota. Our parents enjoyed giving of their time in New York City, Rochester, Minnesota and Sarasota, Florida. Their lives were greatly enriched by the many friends they added through the years. As Dad's health declined, he struggled to accept his limitations and memory loss. Our parents moved into the new Meadow Lane Villa in 2013, very much enjoying the accommodations there. Six months ago, dad made another move, to assisted living at De Smet, South Dakota. Following a stroke the first of August, he then was cared for at the Good Samaritan Home at De Smet. During the morning hours of August 13, God quietly and peacefully called his faithful soldier home.

He is survived by his wife, Joan of Osceola, South Dakota; their children, Gail & Everett Koehn of Ulysses, Kansas, Stan & Marilyn of Osceola, South Dakota, who are currently serving at New York City, New York,  Kathy & Evan Yost of Starbuck, Minnesota, who are currently serving at Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jonell & Lockwood Yost of Osceola, South Dakota,  Victor & Angela of Ward, South Dakota and Twila & Roger Schmidt of Starbuck, Minnesota; his siblings, Norman & Pearl of Inman, Kansas, Edna & Curt Wiebe of Buhl, Idaho, Marlene Wiebe of Inman, Kansas, Francis Koehn of Brooksville, Mississippi, John & Laverna of Brooksville, Mississipi, Melvin & Glenda of Inman, Kansas, Gene & Kathy of Hartley, Texas and Lucille Ensz of Inman, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Pearl Ensz and Jean Ensz, both of Montezuma, Kansas; Joan's family, Wanetta Parks of Johnson, Kansas, Gloria & Wayne Koehn of Montezuma, Kansas and Clarabel & Abe Penner of Osceola, South Dakota; 28 grandchildren; and 66 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Howard; two granddaughters; two brothers; and four brothers-in-law.

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