Louise E. Mahnken

Louise Ellen (Kassel) Mahnken was born March 14, 1934, the daughter of Henry and Ernestine (Erna Koenig) Kassel. She was baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, her Savior and given new life with Him in Holy Baptism on March 25, 1934, at Salem Lutheran Church in Farrar, Missouri. She publicly confessed Jesus her Savior on the day of her Confirmation, March 21, 1948, also at Salem in Farrar. When Louise was a young girl, a stick punctured her leg as she ran through the orchard on their family farm. She developed tetanus and became very ill. Her parents were told nothing more could be done for her, but there was a new experimental medicine which they could try. They consented and our heavenly Father mercifully healed His child by the use of penicillin. Louise attended Salem Lutheran School in Farrar. Following her years of schooling, she helped her family as her mother had died when she was 12 years old. Later she helped out other families in the community. In her later years she worked briefly in housekeeping services at a motel and served as an in-home companion to senior ladies. Louise married Hilmer J. Mahnken on April 30, 1955, at Salem Lutheran Church in Farrar. The couple made their home on the family farm near Farrar. Three children were born to this union: two sons-Daniel and Merle and one daughter, Gail. Louise was a housewife, helping out on their farm and in the home in many ways. She was a wonderful cook, always raising a large garden which in later years included a big blackberry patch. She took great delight in growing and tending to her flowers of all kinds. Louise's most precious gift was Jesus her Savior. She was a life-long member of Salem in Farrar, where she faithfully attended worship with her family. She enjoyed singing in their congregation's choir. She quietly served in her church in many other ways. God developed in her a deep knowledge of the Bible through her years of Bible reading and attending Bible Classes. She memorized Luther's Small Catechism in school and could quote the catechism throughout her life. She grew up also speaking German and could sing many German and English hymn verses from memory. She often hummed hymn tunes while working in the kitchen. She faithfully prayed for her family and was a loyal Christian friend, Louise entered her Savior's rest on March 3, 2026, at the Independence Health System in Perryville, Missouri 11 days short of her 92nd birthday. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Verna and Ruth and her brothers Leonard, Raymond, Eugene, Elvin, and Norbert, and her husband Hilmer. Louise loved her family and she is survived by her children Dan (Barb) Mahnken of Kansas City, Missouri, Merle (Chris) Mahnken of Schleswig, Iowa, and her daughter Gail Mahnken of Gainesville, Florida. Louise was blessed with four grandchildren: Becky (John) Koffman, Eric Mahnken, Sarah (Stephen) Komer, and Hannah Mahnken, and two great grandchildren: Bryson and Aubrey Koffman. Also surviving is Louise's sister Vivian (Clarence) Schirmer, and many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, Louise requested that any memorials be given to Salem Lutheran Church, LCMS World Missions c/o Mission Central, or any LCMS school. Visitation will be from 8:30 am to 10:20 am on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Salem Lutheran Church in Farrar. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Salem Lutheran Church in Farrar with Rev. John Hellwege officiating. Burial will be at Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Farrar. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com. Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Louise E. Mahnken

March 14, 1934 - March 3, 2026