Leo Ensz, 92, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, left this earth to be with his Lord on June 24, 2024. Leo leaves many to cherish in his memory, including his wife of 57 years Vonni; son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Amanda Ensz; daughter and son-in-law, Holli and Jim Wecht Jr; grandchildren, Leo, Reagan, and Alexander; brother and sister-in-law, Willis and Marilyn Ensz; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ensz; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Leo was predeceased by his father and mother, Abe and Margaret Ensz, and his brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Beatrice Ensz; and his brother, Norman Ensz.
Leo’s birthplace was Inman, Kansas, and he spent his childhood in Kansas. He graduated from Hillsboro High School where he played football. At the age of 18, Leo left Kansas and joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country from 1949 to 1953 including combat duty in the Korean War. Leo then was hired on by Shell Oil Company in Wood River, Illinois.
In 1963, Leo ordered a brand new Corvette which he kept for the next 60 years. In 2023 he passed on this beloved car to his son in fantastic condition. “Leo’s Corvette” will someday be “Leo’s Corvette” (again) when it ends up with his grandson Leo, who is carrying on his name. Back to the 1960s, Leo met and married Yvonne “Vonni” Jenkins in 1966 and eventually they had two children, Chad and Holli. Shell Oil Company transferred the family to Houston, Texas in 1975 and Leo enjoyed Texas. Leo was loyal to Shell and employed there for 39 years.
Every summer from starting in 1976, the family enjoyed vacationing in Hot Springs on Lake Hamilton. The extended family and friends gathered for boating, water skiing, and relaxing. Falling in love with the lake life, Leo and Vonni decided that it was the place to retire.
Spending many years as active members of the First Presbyterian Church Leo and Vonni ended up falling in love with the First Baptist Church and were excited to become members. Leo was a faithful husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, and brothers in Christ with his many friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas on July 27, 2024, with visitation from 10am-11am and service from 11am-Noon.
In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and/or the Humane Society of Garland County in Leo’s honor. Words cannot describe how much Leo will be missed by his family and his friends.
