Norman Menke, 90, of Hilo, HI, formerly of West Bend, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1934, in Granville, to Elmer and Sylvia (née Fischer) Menke.
Norman grew up on farms in the Campbellsport area and learned the value of hard work at an early age. At just 14, he began hauling milk—first in cans, then in bulk tank semis. That strong work ethic stayed with him throughout his life.
One day while cruising in his Mercury convertible, he met his future wife, Ruth Dieringer. They married in 1960 and built a life together filled with family, work, and community. Norman had the ability to talk with anyone and he usually would.
He worked as a farmhand on many farms, was a cheesemaker at some small local dairies and then worked at EST Co. for 45 years, working in die setup, maintenance, and his dream job as a truck driver. He also continued to pick up milk on farms and deliver milk to dairies.
Norman’s hobbies included watching old Western movies, recycling cans and bottles. His favorite activity was picking up trash from the side of the road. Daily, Norman would go out in his Kubota to pick up trash from the top of Wilder Rd. to the bottom of Komohana St.
Norman’s favorite beverage and dessert was a good ole Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned. So Dad, One Last Toast to You! You never gave up on anything. You worked two jobs to ensure the success of your family. If it was raining outside, you got wet. If it was cold outside, you were cold. If it snowed two feet of snow, you shoveled snow. Nothing stopped you from going to work. You are the definition of “No Excuses”. In your own words, “Life isn’t always berries and pie." CHEERS!
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Ruth; his parents, Elmer and Sylvia; his brothers, Earl (Arline), Gordon (Louise), Glenwood (Mae), Norbert (Rosemary), and Daniel (June); his sister, Deloris (Marlyn Erickson); and sisters-in-law, Loraine (Clarence “Bud” Seibel) and Helen (Eugene Rohlinger), brother-in-law, Lester Hackbarth and sister-in-law, Eileen Dieringer.
Norman is survived by his four children, Benjamin (Kim) Menke, JuliAnna (Russ) Meyer, Jeremiah (Jennifer) Menke, and Holly Jaschob (Jason Elm); his brother, Russell Menke; sister-in-law, Rose Hackbarth; brothers-in-law, Henry “Hank” Dieringer and John (Jan) Dieringer; 15 beloved grandchildren, Austin (Haukea), Randen and Logan Menke; Garrett and Carly Meyer; Nathan, Alex, and Ruby Menke; Tia Straw, Campbell (Noah) Jacobs, and Brooklyn Straw; and Zaccaria (Lydia Erdmann) Jaschob, Tobias Jaschob, Mikaela (Andrew Pierce) Jaschob and Elijah Jaschob; and one great-grandchild, Gryffin Pierce-Jaschob.
He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will carry his memory forward.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at Phillip Funeral Home, 1420 W Paradise Dr., West Bend, on July 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a reception to follow.
