Joseph Michael Lensink

In memory of a loving father, brother, uncle, husband and friend. He will always be remembered as a loving, generous, straight forward man with a great sense of humor. Joseph Michael ?Joe? Lensink, 65, died Thursday January 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 November 19, 1940 in Morganza, Louisiana. With his father in immigration services, Joe enjoyed traveling and growing up in 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 an 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, CA. 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 the 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 interest included hunting and fishing 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 Sean Lensink of Tucson, AZ and daughter Kelly Lensink of Charlotte, NC. A brother Richard Lensink 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 Lester and Dorothea (O?Neill) Lensink.