Obituary of Donald George Menke

Loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Donald George Menke was born into eternal life on Sunday March 20, 2022 at the age of 89. Born into mortal life on May 18, 1932 in Milwaukee WI to Meta and Richard Kuelling. Don’s father passed when Don was a young boy. Meta married Donald R. Menke and adopted Don as his son.  He is survived by his wife Mary née Corrigan; daughters Kristin Dollhopf and Pamela Menke and bonus daughter Joy (Tracy Slaytor) Myers; grandchildren, Jesse (Tisha) Menke, Joshua Menke, Bradley Wagner, Tiffany Wagner, Ariane (Eric Schwarz) Lass, Kyla (Justin) Kowalski; and great-grandchildren Jericho Menke, Mason Menke, Carlie Wagner, Grayson Wagner and Wyatt Wagner.

An avid outdoorsman in his younger years, Don enjoyed time in the outdoors whether it was hunting, gardening, puttering, or caring for his hobby farm. A lover of animals he was never long without a pet of some kind. He had Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds when he lived on the farm and then smaller dogs, tropical fish tanks, and birds in his later years that brought him much joy. He was a gifted artist that enjoyed building model airplanes and ships and painting wildlife portraits. In his free time Don could usually be found enjoying a Western movie or TV show, especially if it starred his favorite John Wayne. Always one with a story or smart remark, he was known for his jokes and tales that seemed to tall to be real. He was a kind hearted trouble maker that had a mischievous smile that was his “poker tell”. Everyone that spent time with him walked away knowing he was a loving, caring man. Don loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always put a smile on his already smiling face.

He is further survived by his sisters Kathryn Bakke and Ellen (Robert) Schanz and their families. He is also survived by his step-family; Stacey (Albert) Timm, David (Laurie) Sekutowski, Marie (Paul) Krysiak, Linda (Andy) Berna; step-grandchildren Chad Krysiak, Robert Sweatt, Amy Krysiak, Nicole Krysiak, John (Christina) Sekutowski, Kaylee (Ricky Latta) Berna, Ann Sekutowski, KarLee Berna; and Step-great-grandchildren Cason Dellinger, and Adelae Sekutowski.

Don was preceded in death by his birth father Richard Kuelling, his mother Meta and father Donald R, brothers Arlin and Richard Menke, sister Sr. Mary Menke SCA, his first wife Donna (Brown) Menke, son Michael Menke, son-in-law James Dollhopf and grandson Cayden Lass.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 12:00pm at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home 900 W. Racine St. Jefferson, WI,  Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to be made to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses. 

Live Stream Link to view services https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/617356638