Christian Biography of Melvin H. Menke

Melvin Henry Menke, the son of Vernon and Dolores (Schroer) Menke, was born on May 7, 1947 in Superior, Nebraska. He passed away on April 7, 2025 at Brodstone Healthcare in Superior at the age of 77 years and 11 months.

Mel was raised in Lawrence, Nebraska and attended Sacred Heart Grade school and was a Lawrence High School graduate. He continued his college and pharmacy school at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

He was united in marriage to Marie Daake on May 22, 1971 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pleasanton, Nebraska. He served in the United States Army for two years, in San Francisco and Brussels, Belgium. Mel and Marie moved to Superior in 1973. He initially worked at Chard Drug store, and then in 1977 he and Marie purchased the pharmacy and renamed it Menke Drug. For a quarter of a century Mel and Marie ran their pharmacy together as they raised their four children in the town they loved.

Mel was involved and active in the community, and served on the park board and city council. He was an avid golfer and especially enjoyed golf and cards with his friends on Wednesdays. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. His children and eighteen grandkids were his pride and joy, and he loved spending time with them and following all their activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Dolores and by his brother Jim Menke and his sister Janet Reinsch.

Survivors include his wife Marie of the home; children: Rev. Andrew Menke of Washington, D.C., Sara (Ryan) Shea of Wamego, Kansas, Phillip (Erin) Menke of Manassas, Virginia, Jill (Patrick) Vander Woude of Nokesville, Virginia; grandchildren: Caleb, Joseph, Tony, and Katherine Shea, Edward, Leo, Ava, James, Katherine, Bruno and Claire Menke, Liam, Andrew, Lucy, Aidan, Seamus, Dominic and Monica Vander Woude; siblings: Linda Kessler of Lincoln, Ron (Janet) Drudik of Hastings, and Arlan (Sally) Drudik of Nelson;  and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a great many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Held at: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Superior, Nebraska
Time of Service: Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Clergy: Rev. Andrew Menke
Burial: Saturday April 12th at 11:00 am Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska
Memorials to: In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or Brodstone Healthcare Foundation
Visitation: Thursday from 4-7 with the family present from 6-7 and the Rosary Service to follow at 7:00 pm both at the Church
Funeral Home: Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 Phone 402-879-3900