With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Herbert Anthony Mense Jr., age 74, of Old Monroe, Missouri, who peacefully left this world on December 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Herb devoted his life to his family, his faith, and his work, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and dedication.

Herb was born on June 29, 1950, at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri, to Herbert Anthony Mense Sr. and Ruth Josephine Mense. He grew up in Old Monroe, Missouri, on his family’s farm, where he was the second of five siblings. While much of his time was spent helping his father farm the land, he also enjoyed riding horses with his brothers and sisters.

Herb met and married the love of his life, Debbie Schieffer. After their wedding, Herb built their home on the family farm, where they raised their three sons and shared 53 years of marriage. Herb and Debbie enjoyed trail riding, country dancing, and antique shopping.

Herb spent 35 years as a carpenter, taking great pride in his craftsmanship and the homes he built. He was always generous with his time and skills, helping family and friends whenever they needed him. One of Herb’s favorite shirts, an International Harvester shirt, read, “I get more done by 7 a.m. than most people do all day.” This could not have been truer, as Herb was always working on something—whether it was mending fences, mowing fields, fixing broken items, building something new, or tending to his garden.

Herb loved his family dearly and cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often aggravating and teasing them in the best ways. Herb never believed in sleeping in—it was not uncommon for him to show up early Saturday morning, ready for a surprise workday. He was known for his great sense of humor and quick one-liners that always brought a smile to everyone around him. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Anthony Mense Sr. and Ruth Josephine Mense; his inlaws, Albert (Sonny) Schieffer and Betty Schieffer; his grandson, Nathan Mense; his brother-in-law, Roger Phillips; and his sister-in-law, Lynn Schieffer. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Debbie Mense, and their three sons: Don (Cheri) Mense, Dale (Jennifer) Mense, and Carl (Nancy) Mense. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Danielle (Josh) Cook, Kelly Mense, Luke Mense, Cody Mense, Tyler (Rebecca) Mense, Alayna Mense, Alyssa Mense, Anna Stanton, Natalie Stanton, Leona Mense, Lilah Mense, Lydia Mense, and Levi Mense; great-grandchildren: Elijah Mora, Kennedy Mense, and Kenzley Mense; siblings: Mary Jane (Jim) Kuester, Dick (Diane) Mense, Margie (Mike) Finklang, and Jim (Karen) Mense; and brother- and sister-in-laws: Eddie (Maria) Schieffer, Janice (Mark) Beckwith, Russel Schieffer, Tina Phillips, Brenda Ludy, and many other family members and friends.

Though our hearts ache with his absence, we take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with our Heavenly Father, and we will one day see him again in Heaven.