LENSINK, Joseph Michael (Joe)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, January 10, 2006 Joseph Michael Lensink, 65, of Prescott, born Nov. 19, 1940, in Morganza, La., died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, in Prescott. Celebration of Joe's life will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Prescott United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home. --------------------------------------------- The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Thursday, January 12, 2006 Joseph Michael Lensink In memory of a loving father, brother, uncle, husband, and friend. He will always be remembered as a loving, generous, straightforward man with a great sense of humor. Joseph Michael (Joe) Lensink, 65, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2004, he accepted what life had dealt him and determined to live the rest of his life enjoying each day. Through this, he showed us not only how to live, but also how to die. Joe was born on Nov. 19, 1940, in Morganza, La. With his father in immigration services, Joe enjoyed traveling and growing up Louisiana, Alabama, Puerto Rico, and Ohio. After graduation, Joe worked on the ore boats on the Great Lakes, and then joined the U.S. Army in April of 1963. He trained for the Military Police and then served in Vietnam for 13 months as a door gunner where he was awarded several medals. Following his tour of duty, Joe was stationed in Panama where he completed his service in the armed forces. Following military service, Joe moved to San Diego, Calif, where he worked for Pacific Telephone. He married the former Martha (Marty) Ashe in 1968, then transferred to Prescott in 1972, where he worked for the Telephone company known as Qwest. Joe was a devoted father to his son, Sean and daughter, Kelly. His greatest joy was being with the family on their many travels and camping trips taken over the years. He felt privileged to live long enough to see them get their education and grow into happy, successful adults. More recently, Joe and Marty enjoyed traveling. Some of their favorite trips were to Ireland, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Hawaii. Other interests included hunting and fishing with pals. Joe was active in the Prescott and Chino Valley United Methodist Churches. He and Marty were also very active in Marriage Encounter, serving in both local and state leadership positions. He was also active in the Emmaus community, another outreach of his Christian stewardship. Survivors include his wife Marty, of Prescott; son Scan Lensink of Tucson; daughter, Kelly Lensink of Charlotte, NC.; a brother, Richard and his wife Kathy; sister Barbara Flinn and her husband Ed; and many other relatives and friends who have been very close to Joe and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lest & and Dorothea (O'Neill) Lensink. A celebration of Joe's life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday Jan. 14, in the Prescott United Methodist Church, on 505 West Gurley Street, Prescott. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Hospice Family Care, 100 East Sheldon Street, Prescott, Ariz. 86301, of donor's choice. Information provided by survivors.