The Reverend Victor H. Mesenbring, 96, died peacefully on October 28, 2022. His integrity, wisdom, kindness, humor, and Christian example will be missed by all.

Vic was born on January 12, 1926 in Young America, MN. Growing up he loved playing sports, especially baseball. He met June LaMere on a blind date, where she was smitten with his piercing blue eyes. Vic and June were married in 1950 following a long courtship and had five children; David, James, Thomas (Iola Field), Kathleen Breen and Steven (Laurie). He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Sadly, June passed in 2006. Vic's life was devoted to family and ministry as a Lutheran pastor.

In 2009, Vic married Geraldine Flowers. Vic was greatly loved by her children, too; Mike (Shawn), Bruce (Cathy), Betsy (Steve), Bonnie (Joe) along with Gerri's 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Vic's brother Robert (Gana) and sister Mary Loomans survive. Vic was preceded in death by his sister Margie Bachman, brother-in-law Ned Loomans, and son-in-law John Breen.

After graduating in 1950 from Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis, MO with a Masters in Theology, Vic served the hearing impaired Lutheran congregations in Iowa. He went on to serve the following church communities: Immanuel Lutheran Church (Pomeroy, IA); Mount Olive Lutheran Church (Lockport, NY) and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Farmington Hills, MI). In 1977, Vic was instrumental in founding a new ELCA congregation, Hope Lutheran Church (Farmington Hills, MI) where he was later named as Pastor Emeritus and remained an active member until his death.

Vic's playful sense of humor, genuine nature and strong integrity won the respect of many friends and countless parishioners who loved his thoughtful preaching and singing that resonated throughout the sanctuaries in which he ministered. He loved ice cream (especially Moose Tracks!) and excelled at making blueberry pancakes for his children and grandchildren. He was also well known for rewarding their achievements with malted milk shakes. Vic loved playing golf, traveling and watching sports, especially the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and Michigan State Spartans.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, MI on Saturday, January 14, 2023 (10:00 AM visitation, 11:00 AM service, with lunch reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Vic's memory to one of his favorite charities:

Pastor Vic Memorial
C/0 Hope Lutheran Church
39200 West 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI. 48331

Bread for the World
425 3rd St SW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC. 20024
www.Bread.org/give

ELCA Global Missions
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA. 22116
www.ELCA.org/give