Cecil Menke, 94, of Sartell, Minnesota, formerly of West Point and Carroll, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at the VA Healthcare System in St. Cloud. Minnesota.
He was born on July 9, 1928, in rural Salem, Iowa, the son of Bernard G and Elizabeth M. (Bentler) Menke. On May 3, 1952, he married Luella Mary Steffensmeier at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, Iowa. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2021.
Survivors include his four children: Bernard Menke of Sartell, Minnesota, Kris Menke of Sartell, Minnesota, Greg (Mardelle) Menke of Urbandale, Iowa and Marlene (Eric) Grindland of Sartell, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Joel Menke, Trevor (Taylor) Grindland and Kia (Tanner) Bechtold; one great grandchild: Oliver Lane Grindland; three siblings: Marvin (Rita) Menke of St. Paul, Iowa, Edna Spiekermeier of Fort Madison, Iowa and Marilyn Watznauer of West Point, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Luella; sisters and brothers: Cecilia Bucking ham, Lawrence Menke, Arnold Menke and Benita Coons.
Luella and Cecil, along with their four children moved to Carroll, Iowa in May of 1966 and started a hardware store. They sold the hardware business in 1985. He was a realtor and high school development director. Cecil was a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed collecting and refurbishing old tractors and trucks.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Joseph Phung as celebrant.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, West Point, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in his memory for St. Francis Xavier Schools in Sartell, Minnesota or Holy Trinity Schools in West Point, Iowa.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.