Dwane was born November 12, 1962 in St. Louis, MO to Richard Joseph and Joyce Jean (Warren) Menke.
Dwane robbed the cradle, marrying the young love of his life, Denise G’Sell on November 10, 1984 at Our Lady of Loretto, in St. Louis, MO. Their love was one for the books, as they lived with intentionality in their devotion to each other.
Because this life is not the end, but in fact - only the beginning, Denise not only survives, but will thrive, living on to honor her husband’s legacy. We know, believe and preach - in Christ, WE ALWAYS WIN.
Also thriving are their gifts from heaven - favored daughter, Candice Morgan (Menke) Hesher, married to beloved son-in-love, Christopher Dale Hesher, and favored son, Charles Michael Menke, married to cherished Erica Joy (Greer) Menke. The family also remembers, gone way too soon, Christian Mitchell Menke — who is now reunited with his Daddy.
To express how Godly proud Dwane was of his kids could fill volumes.
Dwane and Denise’s BELOVED grandchildren are Hailey Brooke Hesher (19) (the firstborn who granted this Grandpa - the name, PupPup) and Brody Alexander Hesher (16) - who’s hearts are knit with theirs. In fact - they’re besties.
Louis Charles (and, sister-in-law - Susie) Menke and Connie Sue (Menke) (and, brother-in-law, Jeff) Czuchna are simply the BEST siblings to their baby brother. Dwane just adored his brother and sister. They brought him both laughter and comfort.
So many friends and family to name them all .. but, Gloria - ever sister, always friend. Nephew Chris - you became more like a grandson. Uncle Dwane was so happy for you.
Nieces, nephews, cousins — Dwane always threw a wide net .. loving big and welcoming all.
And, The Church @ GC. Pastor Dwane would sometimes get grieved, it’s true — but he always believed in you. That’s likely why. He’d continually say - let’s mine for the gold in them. He was never threatened by others success - in fact, he was your loudest cheerleader!
The kids and youth @ GC. You were and are, Pastor’s why. Ever a kid himself, he saw both your value and your future.
Pastor acknowledged both biological family and church family - thankfully, both are eternal family.
Dwane wasn’t just an excellent craftsmen, building beautiful kitchens, baths and home remodels — he also graduated third year from Rhema Bible Training College USA from both Supportive & Worship School disciplines. Additionally - he obtained his Bachelors Degree in Theological Studies from Life Christian University.
Ordained since 1999 with Rhema Ministerial Association International, Dwane served full time in Youth, Executive, Associate and Founding / Senior Pastoral capacities. From church planting, to teaching in Bible colleges, and short term missionary efforts only served to display Dwane’s willingness to serve anywhere - as long as it was building Jesus’ Kingdom.
No task was beneath him.
Fishing. He loved fishing. Fishing was somehow not only a past time, but oftentimes used as a tool to not only fish — fish, but to fish men.
Memorial donations in Dwane’s name could be directed to the church he founded and poured his life into — Generation Church - Metro East. That the work of the ministry would not only survive, but like his family - would thrive!
A visitation for Pastor Dwane will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm,, followed immediately by a LIFE of HONOR Celebration Service at 5 pm. Generation Church - Metro East in Caseyville, IL.
The family has entrusted Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL with arrangements.
Additional condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com
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