James Menke
Bethalto |
James J. Menke, 80, of Bethalto, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital.
He was born in Alton, IL, on November 3, 1944, the son of Frank A. and Elizabeth A. (Rose) Menke. He married Katherine M. David on May 6, 1967, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto. She survives.
James is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, during the Vietnam Era. He then went on to work at AT&T as a lineman for 30 years before his retirement in 1999. He is a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto, Knights of Columbus of Bethalto, and a 4th Degree Knight, Bethalto JC's, and Troop 101 Boy Scout Leader. James enjoyed camping, woodworking, lawn work, watching the grandkids ball games, and spending spare time with friends and family.
Along with his wife, Kathy, he is survived by a son, Stephen (Kim) Menke of Godfrey; siblings, Sr. Lisette Menke of St. Louis, JoAnn (Jim) Wheeler of Chesterfield, IL, and Frank Menke of Goreville, IL.; two grandchildren, Brennan and Noah Menke and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Laura Ward and a sister Theresa Mayhall.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. At 6:00 pm a Chalice service will be given by the 4th Degree K of C.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto, with Father Tom Liebler as celebrant. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorial's are suggested to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
