Harriet Corina Menke was born December 23, 1917, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the daughter of Bernhard and Clara (Stadheim) Johnsrud. She grew up and attended school in Albert Lea, graduating from the Albert Lea High School in 1935. After her schooling she worked as a telephone operator.
On August 14, 1943, Harriet was united in marriage to John Menke in Dothem, Alabama. Upon his honorable discharge from the military they returned to the Bancroft area and began farming. They farmed until retiring in 1982, when they built a home and moved into Bancroft.
Harriet enjoyed crafting, bowling, playing golf and traveling with John. She was a member of the St. John's Parish, Altar Society and the VFW Auxiliary.
Harriet died Monday, December 25, 2017, at the Accura Health Care Center in Bancroft at the age of 100.
She is survived by her sisters, Cora Arnold of Owatonna, MN; Janet and husband, Herman Stenga of Soldotna, AK; Barbara Schultz and husband, Ron Verdoorn of Victoria, MN; John's sister, Janet Winkel Muller of Whittemore and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, John on Jan...[more]