Obituary of Patricia Ann Ensenbach

Patricia Ann Lehrkamp was given life by her creator and was born on April 3, 1948 in Parkston, SD, an only child to Norbert and Emma Lehrkamp (Henke).  On May 9, 1948 she received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God.  On April 29, 1962 she publicly confessed her faith and was confirmed.  On August 15, 1971 she received the gift of a loving companion in Ronald Ensenbach, her spouse.  All three officiated at Zion Lutheran Church before Rev. John Wild.  Finally on September 8, 2017 God blessed Pat with a Holy death and took her home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead. 

Pat was raised on the family farm northeast of Delmont.  Pat attended Delmont Public School, graduating as salutatorian in Delmont, Class of 1966.  While in high school, she was in the marching band, editor of the 1966 year book, The Wildcat.  She was also active in the 4-H Club, winning several ribbons at county and state fairs.  During high school Pat was in chorus, journalism, dramatics, piano accompanist, class officer and 4-H Queen.  She also won two trips, one to Chicago through General Foods.  On the trip she met Twins star, Tony Oliva.  The second trip was to Washington DC through the R.E.A.  On this trip she met and appeared and interviewed on T.V. with Green Acres star, Eddie Albert.  She attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield and was selected to be in “Who’s Who” in college and universities.  Her lifetime dream was to be an elementary school teacher and earned her B.S. in that field.  She student taught at Parkston where she met her future husband, Ron Ensenbach who was Police Chief.  She fulfilled her lifetime dream of teaching and taught 1st grade and at Stewart School in Yankton for 33 years.  Although she had no children, Pat considered the 800 plus students she taught during her 33 year career to be her “babies”.  She was a second mom to them for nine months during the school year.  She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran and played the organ at Zion Lutheran Church in Delmont during her high school and college years and played organ for St. John’s Lutheran Church for approximately 15 years.  She was also a member of the N.E.A., V.F.W. Auxiliary, Retired Teachers and Delta Kappa Gamma. 

Pat is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ron; brother-in-law, Roger Ensenbach; sister-in-law, Barbara (Terry) Stinson, all of Gillette, WY; a nephew and God son, Devon (Elise) Stinson of Spearfish, SD; a God daughter, Andrea Wright of Yankton, SD, one aunt, Lorraine Thaler of Wagner, SD; several other aunts, uncles and cousins; special cousin, Marlene Wuertzer of Parkston, SD and special friends, Norman and Kathy Wright of Yankton, SD and Carol and Richard Dusterhoft of Yankton, SD. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law, Floyd & Leona Ensenbach; a nephew, J. Tanner Ensenbach and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

The family requests memorials to be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church Pre-School, 1009 Jackson, Yankton, SD  57078.