Ronald L. Mensinger

Ronald L. Mensinger passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 at the age of 91. With gratefulness for his longevity but sadness in our hearts, we mourn his absence.

Ron had a long and rich life that is impossible to summarize but here are some highlights of accomplishments and experiences that describe who this man was.

Ron was born on February 11, 1935 in Camanche, Iowa to Joseph and Alice Mensinger. He was the third of 5 children and as a young boy, his family lived all over the Midwest and Southeast as his father followed employment opportunities during the pre- and post-war. His family settled in Kennewick, WA where Ron established his talent and hard work in school, on the farm and in football. He worked at the Farmer’s Exchange while attending high school and his first years in college.

In high school he was named All-State, then All-American and was ultimately drafted by the NFL. He played football at the University of Washington, Olympic College and finally, Eastern Washington State College (now EWU) where he is honored in their Football Hall of Fame as a top 100 player of all time.

He married Marilyn Halteman, affectionately nicknamed “Minnie”, in 1956 and they began to build their life together, raising four children. After graduating from Eastern with a BA in Education, Ron moved his family to Bremerton, WA to begin his career in teaching at Central Kitsap Junior High. He became a high school football referee, which kept his head in the game he loved so much. Working in construction during the summers led him to new opportunities as a carpenter in residential home-building. He even built the home they raised their family in.

His career expanded into commercial construction, taking the family across the state to Spokane, WA where he became a foreman and helped build many prominent buildings in the area including parts of Riverfront Park for the World’s Fair. Ron then moved into roles in the carpenter’s union as business agent and union executive for the Carpenter’s Union Local 98. Representing union employees and building their pension and health benefits was very important to him and a source of great pride.

In 1985, he and Marilyn left Spokane, returning to Kitsap County where they resided in both Bremerton and Silverdale. He continued his construction work in home remodeling until his retirement.

Throughout Ron’s life, family was most important to him. He was known for his strength of character, commitment to hard work, creativity and integrity and instilled those values in his children. He is remembered as the steady presence, always there to support and provide guidance to his family, friends and neighbors. His work ethic and integrity were core to his identity and how he judged others, not easy but always fair. He was revered by his peers, business associates, friends, and most of all his family to whom he loved, cared and provided for with his many gifts and talents.

Ron was physically strong and a great strategic thinker. He was a good storyteller – especially when sharing life experiences. He gave big hugs and was generous with advice like “The 7 P’s” about proper prior planning and “Don’t cross the bridge until you get to it or you’ll pay the toll twice.” He was never late for an event – to be early was to be on time. He had a hearty laugh and loved to tease. He was known for some mischief and was game for pranks and activities with friends like midnight tricycle races, adult sledding parties, or oyster picking at early morning low tides.
Later in life he enjoyed cutting firewood for the winters, making toys and keeping an eye on his neighborhood. He loved to watch for the school bus and see the children run home and keep track of the bear, deer, and coyotes.

He was widowed in 2013 when Marilyn passed away, after nearly 57 years of marriage. He is pre-deceased by his son Glenn (2024), daughter-in-law Michelle (2025) and grandson Sean Worland (1997), as well as his parents, brother Joseph, sister Dolores, and brother Timothy and nephew Michael. Ron is survived by his three daughters – Gloria Worland (Steven), Kathryn Mensinger, and Evelyn Wise (Michael). In addition, he has four grandchildren, Brian Wise, Molly Wise, Alex Worland (Hadley), Madison Worland, a sister Ida Canady (Tom), sister-in-law Maura Mensinger, and eight nieces.

His memory is eternal and his family will go forward honoring his many lessons and values as well as his life-long appreciation for the sport of football and nature.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at St. Antony’s Episcopal Church, 11885 Old Frontier Road NW, Silverdale, WA.