In Memory of Bernard Lansink

Bernard Lansink, age 88, of Ida Grove, Iowa (formerly of Arthur, Iowa) passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019, at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2019, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate with Committal Services following in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at 4:30 p.m. and a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2019, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Bernard Joseph Lansink, the son of Benjamin and Caroline (Roeder) Lansink, was born April 9, 1931, in rural Arthur, IA. He was raised on the farm and attended Arthur High School graduating with the class of 1949. Upon the completion of high school, Bernard began his lifelong farming career.

On November 27, 1954, Bernard was united in marriage to Leila Bennigsdorf at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, IA. The couple made their home on a farm near Arthur and were blessed with four children: Deb, Douglas, Dennis and Deana. In 1994 the couple retired from a 45-year farming career and moved to Ida Grove. Bernard was employed part-time as a driver for Midwest Industries, Crop-Mate and Gomaco.

Bernard was a very active member of his community. He served as a board member for numerous organizations including Horn Memorial Hospital, the Arthur Lumber Yard, Ida County Farm Bureau and Ida County REC. Bernard was a Blaine Township Trustee and member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Bernard was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He and Leila enjoyed attending their children and grandchildren’s sporting and school events. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, playing cards and attending tractor pulls. Bernard participated in RAGBRAI and liked attending the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Emmetsburg, IA. The couple enjoyed traveling and for 15 years he and Leila would winter in Alamo, Texas. Always known for his friendly smile, Bernard will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 64 years Leila Lansink of Battle Creek, IA; children Debra (Keith) Fineran of Arthur, IA, Douglas (Teresa) Lansink of Ida Grove, IA, Dennis (Tamara) Lansink of Arthur, IA and Deana Lansink (special friend Travis Spoo) of Emmetsburg, IA; 11 grandchildren: Jim (Mandy) Fineran, Laura Fineran, John (Sarah) Fineran, Abby (Chris) Schrunk, Adam (Jodi) Lansink, Andrew (Lisa) Lansink, Aaron (Laura) Lansink, Chris (Melanie) Lansink, Callie (Kenny) Wilhite, Courtney (Scott) Cunningham and Cara (Seth) Johnson; 29 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and sister Arlene Miller of Schaller, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Caroline Lansink; sisters Delores Segebart and Sister Mary Benjamin Lansink; brother-in-law Don Miller; great-grandchildren Emmett Fineran and Jillian Lansink.