John Menke age 85, passed away at Israel family Hospice house in Ames on March 14, 2017, after a period of declining health and complications from a recent hospitalization. A celebration of life memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 17, the family will receive friends from 9:30 until service time at Bethesda Lutheran Church 1517 Northwestern in Ames, Iowa. Private family interment will be at Ankeny Memorial Gardens in Ankeny following the luncheon.
John was born September 18, 1931 in Belmond, Iowa the son of John and Ruby (Box) Menke. In his early years, John was known as John Jr. The family moved to the Hampton/Geneva area where John grew up and graduated from Geneva High School. He married Barbara Rathman on July 9, 1950 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton, Iowa. John and Barb developed a very close relationship after 66 years of married life, family, work and retirement. In later years, they became very dependent on each other.
John is survived by his wife, Barb Menke of Ames, sons, Dr. Steve (Nancy) Menke of Ottumwa, and Bart Menke of Ames, grandchildren, Michael Menke of Sioux City, Christopher (Erica) Menke of San Diego, CA, Bryson (Megan) Menke of Temecula, CA, great grandchildren, Victoria, Eloise, Haley, Max and Mia Menke, sister, Gertrude Scallorn of Lakeland, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Menke.
John and Barb moved to Ames area in 1958 and provided a great home and experiences for the boys on the farm south of Ames. John was involved in the construction industry his entire working life. He was a long term employee of James Thompson and sons later Story Construction. John was very proud of his contribution to the numerous projects that he was part of in the development of Ames and ISU as we know it today.
Family and grandchildren were very important to John. He was very appreciative to the role everyone had in his life and enjoyed watching the development of the family.
John and Barb enjoyed life in their north Ames neighborhood very much and valued the friendships with all their neighbors. John was determined to live in his home as long as possible. John was an avid cyclone fan who attended events in all sports until his health limited him to television and newspaper.

Memorials may be directed to Bethesda Lutheran Church Food Pantry Ames, Iowa.