Edward J. Menke

Edward J. Menke, 85, was born December 23, 1928, in Bancroft, to Joseph H. and Ann (Berens) Menke. Eddie was united in marriage to Mary Helen Meyer, November 30, 1957, at St. Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, MN. She died November 1, 1992 of breast cancer. Eddie went to St. John Elementary until the age of 13. He then began helping his dad and brothers, Francis, Tommy and Jiggs with the family Oil and Trucking Business in Bancroft. He entered the US Navy and served from 1947-49. He returned home and got his own truck and started driving. This became his passion. He trucked all of his life until he retired in 1998. He moved to Arizona shortly after. He lived there for 10 years, still working various odd jobs. He loved the warm weather and never missed hauling in the ice cold weather, blowing winds and icy roads. He returned to Bancroft in 2008. Still needing to stay busy, he did more odd jobs and found sweeping the peanuts at the Pub his pride and joy. Eddie was a very social man. He enjoyed visiting with about everyone, and always found the good in all. He entered the West Bend Health and Rehab Center December of 2011. After a short illness, he died Sunday, November 2...[more]

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2014, at the age of 85. Eddie is survived by his 3 children. Matthew and Deb Menke of Clive, Martha and Lon Eichenberger of Brewster, MN, and Michael Menke and Amy Mawdsley of Ankeny; his 6 grandchildren, Brandon and Krissy, Chad, Molly, Lon D., and Mara; his sister, Marianne Gradoville of Carroll; and many nieces and nephews. Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Helen, sisters, Inez and an infant sister Mary Katherine and brothers, Francis, Thomas, and Gerald.