It is with great sadness, yet celebration, that the family of Genevieve “Gen” Menke, 87 years of age, of Olathe, Kansas, announce her passing on January 3rd, 2021, at Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital in Gardner, Kansas. She is now reunited with her husband, Dwayne, and free of pain and suffering as she walks the streets of gold in heaven.
She was born to Carl Lyman and Florence (Bloomquist) Johnson on March 14th, 1933 in Stromsburg, Nebraska and graduated from Stromsburg High School. After high school, she studied nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska. On July 19th, 1957 she wed Dwayne Menke of Columbus, Nebraska. They transferred many times during his Navy career first becoming Gardner residents while husband, Dwayne was stationed at the Olathe Naval Air Station in the 1960's. Gen and Dwayne returned to Gardner in 1977 after his retirement. Gen was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, demonstrating her faith through community service. At the First Baptist Church of Gardner, Gen served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher and superintendent. Gen was a talented seamstress creating and sewing everything from Halloween costumes to wedding dresses.
Gen was preceded in passing by husband, Dwayne. She is survived by four children: daughter, Rosemary of Cincinnati, Ohio; son Dave and wife Teri of Gilbert, Arizona; son Tim and wife Heidi of Xenia, Ohio; and son Steve and wife Kendra of Olathe, Kansas. She is also survived by granddaughter Jill Norman and husband Cale, granddaughter Ashley Menke, grandson Jack Menke, grandson Tom Menke and granddaughter Kennedy Menke as well as two great grandchildren Hunter and Bennet Norman.
A Celebration of Gen’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Gen’s name to First Baptist Church of Gardner, 324 E Shawnee Street, Gardner, Kansas 66030.
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