MENSE, Donald E. (June 18, 1930 - April 27, 2010) Donald E. Mense, age 79, of Rice Lake, WI died Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI. He was born on June 18, 1930 in Menomonie, WI to Edwin and Gala (Schultz) Mense. Don graduated from the Menomonie High School after which he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean Conflict where he became a Morse Code Operator and later was honorably discharged from the Army. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business from UW Eau Claire. Don also received his Masters Degree from UW Stout in Vocational Education Administration. He was married to Geraldine Giere on August 27, 1955 in Menomonie and then worked for the A&P Tea Company in Milwaukee until 1968. After moving to Rice Lake he worked for WITC from 1968 - 1992 in both Rice Lake and Shell Lake. Don became an Administrator and District Student Services Coordinator. Don was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, LMC Board of Directors for 26 years, Golden “K”, and loved hunting, fishing, trapping, ice fishing, golfing and crafting. He was a journal keeper and kept great scrapbooks. He also enjoyed making wood duck houses. In 1961 he caught the biggest Musky in the Great Plains and Canada for that year. Most of all Don loved spending time with his family and especially his grandkids. Don Mense is survived by his wife, Geraldine Mense of Rice Lake, WI; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Mark & Nancy Mense of Osceola, WI, Dean & Carolyn Mense of Hayward, WI and Steve & Darlene Mense of Chetek, WI; 2 grandchildren, Kylie and Kooper; a brother, Jim (Ann) Mense of Menomonie, WI; a sister, Helenmae (Chuck) Debee of Menomonie, WI; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin & Gala Mense. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, May 3, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, with Rev. Karen Johnson officiating. Friends may call from 2 - 5 PM Sunday at Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake and for 1 hour prior to the funeral at the Church.

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