Frederick Mensinger

Frederick “Fred” Mensinger, Jr, 86, formerly of Baroda, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Whitcomb Towers where he resided. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at Zion United Church of Christ, 9100 Church St., Baroda, with Rev. Chris Noffke officiating. Burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery in Baroda. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ. Those wishing to sign Fred’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Fred was born June 15, 1926 in Benton Harbor to Frederick & May (Bays) Mensinger. He graduated from Baroda High School in 1944. On October 2, 1949, he married the former Dolores Pitlik in St. Joseph. He served his country in the US Air Force for two years. Fred owned and operated the Baroda Service Store for seven years before gaining employment with Producers Creamery in Benton Harbor. Fred worked for twenty-three years as a route man before retiring in 1989 from Producers Creamery/McDonald Dairy. Following retirement, he operated a small grape farm in Baroda for Welch’s, which he took over from his father. He considered the farm his hobby rather than a job, as he thoroughly enjoyed the time spent tending to the grapes. Fred was a member of Zion UCC where he formerly served as treasurer and on the church council. He was an easy going, friendly man, who always had a positive outlook who never met a stranger. He enjoyed following the Chicago Cubs in their earlier years, traveling to many of the other National League parks in the mid-west to see them play. Fred appreciated the care he received from the staff of Whitcomb Towers & Hospice at Home in his last days. Fred is survived by his wife Dolores; his children-Mary Beth (Neil) Seaward of Flushing, MI, Keith (Elsa) Mensinger of Baroda, Pati (Lou) Burgio of Ft. Mill, SC; six grandchildren-Becky & Julie Seaward, Faith, Dustin & Sarah Mensinger & Amber Foster; one great-grandson Gavin Foster; his sister Elaine (Dell) Boersma of Iowa City, IA; his brother Terry (Janice) Mensinger of Baroda; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant brother Stanley Mensinger.