Reverend Raymond E. Ensman

Reverend Raymond Earl Ensman, 84, of Port Clinton, Ohio, Senior Status Priest of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio entered eternal life on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton, Ohio. Born at home in Miller City, Putnam County, Ohio on January 19, 1939, to Eugene Arthur and Eva (Apple) Ensman. He was a son of Holy Family Catholic Church, North Baltimore, Ohio. He graduated in 1957 from Van Buren Local High School and attended Bowling Green State University for one year studying major physics, math and chemistry. Following his calling to join the priesthood, he entered St. Mary’s College Seminary in Kentucky from 1958-1962 earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He then went to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio earning a master’s degree in theology. During that time, he also studied at Xavier University in Cincinnati, earning a master’s degree in education and mathematics.

He was ordained a priest on May 28, 1966 at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo by Most Reverend George J. Rehring, Bishop of Toledo. His first assignment was Associate Pastor at Little Flower Catholic Church in Toledo from 1966-1969. Then became the Secretary to Bishop John Donovan and Vice Chancellor for the Toledo Diocese from 1970-1973. From 1973-1977 he taught religion at Lima Central Catholic School in Lima, Ohio. During the summers of 1972 through 1976, he went to Boston College and received his master’s in religious education. From 1977-1982 he taught at Holy Spirit-High School Seminary in Toledo. From 1982-1987 he was appointed Vicar for Priests. The following year 1987-1988 he took a sabbatical. From 1988-1992 he was the Pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tiffin, and in 1992 he was appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Port Clinton where he served until his retirement in 2006.

Father Ray was a member of the National Association of Church Administrators; was the Diocesan Director of Marriage Encounter; member of the Diocesan Priests Council; was a 4th degree Knight and Chaplain of the Port Clinton Knights of Columbus; an associate member of the Sisters of Loretto in Kentucky, and a member of the Port Clinton Kiwanis Club.

His many interests included: flower and vegetable gardening, canning, crocheting blue jean rugs, Navaho weaving, hunting, fishing, snow skiing in Colorado, camping, traveling, building bird houses, planting fruit trees, beekeeping, nature interests, and most importantly, spending time with his family and fellow priests.

Survivors include his brother, Bob (Judy) Ensman, Bloomington, Indiana; sisters, Ann Long, Los Angeles, California, and Sue Nocella (Jerry Sanders), French Lick, Indiana; seven nieces and nephews; eleven great nieces and nephews; special friends, Fr. Phil Feltman, Sr. Jane Fisher, and Sr. Peg Bishop whose unwavering love and support during these past few years was deeply appreciated. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a niece.

Father Ray will be remembered as a gentle, holy, and humble priest. He was soft spoken, a warm and loyal friend, and compassionate to all.

Reception of the Body will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 Madison Street, Port Clinton, on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 2 pm. Visitation will continue from 2 pm until Vespers at 7 pm. Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 10 am until 10:45 am. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am with Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo, Principal Celebrant, and Reverend Philip S. Feltman, Homilist. Burial will be held at New Maplewood Cemetery in North Baltimore, Ohio following a light luncheon to be held immediately after the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Religious Education.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Diocese of Toledo and the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Clinton.