Richard D. Ensz

My beloved husband, our father, and grandfather Richard Dale Ensz was born August 4, 1953, to Rueben and Margaret (Dyck) Ensz. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas, reaching the age of seventy-one years. 

Richard’s childhood and youth years were spent on the family farm near Windom. He received his education at Windom Grade School and Little River High School.

At the age of 13, he felt his need of the Savior and answered God’s call. He was baptized on December 11, 1966, into the Church of God In Christ, Mennonite. He cherished and upheld this faith all his life. On April 14, 1974, he was joined in marriage to Deanna Toews at Inman, Kansas. They shared many happy years together, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their home was blessed with four daughters. He provided for his family as a farmer and stockman.

Family life was very important to Dad. We have many memories of helping out with field work. Dad would always say, “Get close to the edges, but don’t hit the fence.” Dad spent most Thursdays at the Salina sale barn and it was a highlight for the grandchildren to ride along and eat a hamburger in the café. His grandchildren were very special to him. Singing was a big part of his life. He was a song leader for many years and sang in various quartets. A long-time dream was realized when Smoky Hills became a congregation in Windom, Kansas, and he appreciated being a part of it. Dad and Mom spent a year volunteering in Rochester as missionaries. He found fulfillment in giving hope to those in need and took a real interest in people, making many lasting friendships. In his retirement years, he enjoyed restoring old John Deere tractors. Dad’s faith and trust in God was very evident with many answers to prayer throughout his life. We are grateful for the many good memories and the security he provided for us as a family.

Those left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife, Deanna; four daughters, Lynette (Kevin) Schneider of Windom, KS, Sara (Trenten) Friesen of Inman, KS, Monica (Sherwin) Johnson of Inman, KS, and Colleen (Terry) Schmidt of Hiawatha, KS; three brothers, Galen (Twyla) Ensz of Bonners Ferry, ID, Keith (Linda) Ensz of Inman, KS, and Harlin (Laurie) Ensz of Inman, KS; four brothers-in-law, Kenneth Koehn of Montezuma, KS, Harry (Luella) Toews of Barron, WI, Robert (Diane) Toews of McPherson, KS and Randy (Dianne) Toews of McPherson, KS; four sisters-in-law, Irene Toews of Inman, KS, Marilyn (Clayton) Schmidt of Buhl, ID, Alice (Kenneth) Ensz of Sutherland, NE, and Ruth (LaVern) Nikkel of Inman, KS; 12 grandchildren; a special friend, Charles (Chuck) Johnson and many extended relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Rueben & Margaret Ensz, a sister Karen Koehn, parents-in-law, Abe and Ruby Toews and a brother-in-law Percy Toews.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Zion Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Inman, KS. Burial will follow at Zion Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, November 12, at Zion Mennonite Church.

Memorial donations can be made to Plainview Christian School in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.