Darel G. “Gabby” Mensch, 88, of Harbor Crest Home, Fulton, IL, died Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at the home.
Darel was born May 19, 1925, in Pella, IA, to Bernard and Veda (Tice) Mensch. He graduated from Pella High School and received his B.A. from Central College in Pella. He later obtained a M.A. degree in Education at the University of Illinois. He married Joan Dinkel on June 1, 1952, in Charles City, IA. He taught high school for 38 years and coached all sports. He taught in Keota, IA, Oskaloosa, IA, Riverside-Brookfield, IL, Geneseo, IL, and Fulton, IL. Darel was a member of the Fulton Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday School and served as an elder. His church also meant a lot to him. Darel was one of the founding members of the Fulton Country Club. He was an avid golfer, loved to work on his computer, and enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and lately his great-grandchildren. His family was all-important to him.
Survivors include his wife, Joan M. Mensch; three daughters, Jill (David) Cross of Brownsburg, IN; Marla (Kurt) Kettler of Pella; Kathy (Jeff) Dyke of Morrison, IL; one son, Charles (Cindy) Mensch of Southampton, PA; nine grandchildren, Michael (Nicole) Cross, Amanda Cross, Jennifer (Martin) Schmidt, Jonathan (Jawnica) Kettler, Brian (Laura) Dyke, Alex and Zachary Dyke; Tyler and Ashley Mensch; seven great-grandchildren, Toby, Lydia, Blythe, and Sophie Schmidt; Isaiah, Owen, and Samuel Kettler.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers in infancy.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2013, at the Fulton Presbyterian Church, Fulton, IL
OFFICIATING: Rev. Dr. James Camp, Interim Pastor at Fulton Presbyterian Church, Fulton, IL
VISITATION: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 2, 2013, at the Fulton Presbyterian Church, Fulton, IL
INTERMENT: Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL
The Fulton Chapel of the Bosmna-/Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
MEMORIALS: Fulton Presbyterian Church and Harbor Crest Home, Fulton, IL