- Date Of Birth: May 29, 2018
- Date Of Death: May 29, 2018
- State: Arizona
Jessie Calvin “Cal” Mensch, born July 15, 1941 in Lynn, TX and died on May 29, 2018.
Survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lurene Mensch of Tonto Basin; brother Larry Mensch of Lubbock, TX; sister Rene Lawson of Lamesa, TX; and children (in order by age) son Garry Mensch of Forest Lakes, AZ, daughter Rebecca Mensch-Kelly of Brownwood, TX, son Greg Rathjen of Pearland, TX, daughter Lara Rathjen-Jones of Saint Petersburg, FL; also several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends.
Cal grew up in Texas with his family, moved to Durango, CO, Apache Junction, AZ, Taylor, AZ and lastly Tonto Basin, AZ. He loved his family and many friends. Cal enjoyed the cowboy way of life from a farrier (shod horses), wrangler at dude ranches, and early retirement with Navajo County. He loved fishing and horses and one in particular named “Whiskey.” Some would say he was a wild, rough and tough cowboy that needed tamed.
He met many people throughout his life. His personality was the type to say what he thought. He could say a joke or dry sense of humor statement and some laughed and got it instantly while others sat and scratched their heads. He also could listen and give heartfelt advice when asked. He did not put on any airs, what you saw and heard is what you got. When someone tried to fret or worry over him he would say “No big deal!” even when it was. Everyone that knew him has their own personal story or stories. He was a defender of the weak and a fighter for those he loved. Because he said “No big deal!
So each person that he touched with his life … You can find your own path to say your goodbyes to him by doing something that he would such as read a book, ride a horse, shoot the breeze with a friend or neighbor, pet a dog “Amigo,” have a drink or two, hell even get drunk if you want to. Listen to someone, when someone pays too much attention to you say “No big deal!” Listen to some music “Country” or Jimmy Buffet records on vinyl and contem-plate your life.
He was loved by most all and will be missed greatly. In the end, Cal gave all he had left of himself to be donated to science to further the discoveries of possible new cures to save some lives.
This is not a goodbye, Cal, daddy, grandpa, brother or friend, but a farewell until we meet you again in the afterlife. Until then let’s live it up!
Written by his daughter Rebecca Mensch-Kelly
