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Jonathan Menke Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Menke
Michael Buettner
June 12, 2018
Privileged to honor Jonathan this weekend during the 8th annual Ride to Remember. Never Forget.
Peggy Childers
August 4, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Jonathan D. Menke:
Please accept my remembrance of Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
August 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Jonathan D. Menke:
Remembering Jonathan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
August 4, 2009
To the family of Spc. Jonathan D. Menke:
Jonathan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 8, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy to the Menke family and friends in the loss of Jonathan. I did not know Jonathan, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Jonathan you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
IS NEVER TO DIE"
~Robert Orr~
T Starman
January 1, 2009
I offer my deepest condolences for your loss.
Kenna Larra
December 19, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
In Memory of Jonathan ~ (Debra Estep)
November 24, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Jonathan, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Stephanie Rafoss
August 29, 2008
Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Janice Oswald
August 24, 2008
To the family and friends of fallen hero SPC Menke....I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the gratitude and sadness that I feel. May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will not be forgotten. God Bless You.
Gary Allain
August 21, 2008
Spc. Jonathan D. Menke
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
PS2 J. Anderson, USCG
August 21, 2008
I did not know Jonathan. A friend's son was his college room mate and informed me of his death. I am proud that Jonathan made the choice to defend our country. His death is tragic and sad, but he will forever be remembered by friends, family, and perfect strangers who are forever gratfull that he had the courage to do his duty. May we never forget Jonathan or other fallen soldiers.
SHIRLEY DONEY
August 17, 2008
REST IN PEACE SPC. MENKE, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
RIP PFC Aaron J. Ward 4/28/89 - 5/6/08 KIA
Gary Tolle
August 16, 2008
Jonathan, I just wanted to say thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation, a nation in mourning for our fallen hero’s. You like so many other soldiers chose to serve our nation when needed most and with your life you protected the very core of what America stands for. My nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward also made that sacrifice on 5/6/2008 when he was killed in action in Iraq. As I mourn for my nephew I mourn for you and so many other brave soldiers and know that you all will forever be in my thoughts and prayers, we as a nation will never forget you. I stand tall and salute you Jonathan and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for the nights we at home could sleep without fear and know that we are safe. To the Menke family, words cannot express the pain we now share, but our families will forever have a bond and we will be thinking of Jonathan and your family and will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Please accept my heart felt condolences and my prayer that god help you cope with this tragic loss and may the memories of your HERO carry you through each day. From one Gold Star family to another!
Jeremiah Bailey
August 15, 2008
Menke I am going to miss you brother it was an honor serving with you, I will never forget all the times you motivated me in basic training to keep going, you where a man of courage and you lived the Army values every second of every minute every minute of every hour and every hour of every day. You were a great battle buddy and a better friend my prayers go out to your family man and I am certainly going to miss you.
Megan Hansen
August 15, 2008
Jon was an amazing person to say the least. He will be deeply missed in the community of Madison, as well as all over the state. He will live on in our hearts and memories. We honor our fallen HERO Jon.
Skip Scroggins
August 14, 2008
Nicole, We are very sorry about the loss of your brother. He is a true hero to all of us! Keep your head up!
Sondra Hall
August 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow.
GOD BLESS OUR FALLEN HERO
carina Garcia
August 12, 2008
I knew Spc. Jon Menke, we had went to high school together he was a great man and he will be missed. My prayers are with his family and the ones that knew this great man. Miss you Jon and you will always be missed.
PG Gentrup
August 12, 2008
It's a very sad time for us here in Southeastern Indiana and OUR nation as we have lost one of America's finest. May God bless his family and friends and guide them thru this difficult time. We'll take time to pay our respects to him at his funeral on 8-14-08 in Madison and honor him as an AMERICAN HERO. We must remember him and those who have served and paid the ultimate price and we must make sure they are never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.
Jenny Tatman
August 12, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Joe Gamez USN Ret.
August 12, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family of Spc. Jonathan D. Menke. Looking at your picture in the Fallen Heros web page, your all smiles and a thumbs up, in such a bad part of the world. Thank you for your service to our country, you are a true American Hero. May God bless you and your family.
scott bastean ( mary jo bastean/ peddie
August 12, 2008
To family we are sorry for your lose. my mother is from madison her maiden name is peddie. we would like too pass on your best wishes for the family. god bless you and your family.
Nichole Scott
August 11, 2008
I can not imagine the pain and sorrow you must be feeling. Just thinking of Jon makes me cry. He will be missed and if there is anything that you need please let me know. He was a true hero! I am forever grateful to him for fighting for my freedom.
Suzanne MacDaniel
August 11, 2008
To the Menke family,
I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Jonathans' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.
...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04
Courtney Paris
August 10, 2008
My prayers and condolences go out to you in your time of need and grief.
May God lay a comforting hand to you.
elaine robinson
August 10, 2008
The nation shares your pride of your young man and grief of his death.
Cindy Greene proud Mother of Sgt. Jeremy R. Greene KIA 04-28-07
August 10, 2008
The soldier stood and faced his God
which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns, can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
when the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times
I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears
I know I don't deserve a place, among the people here
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne,
where the saint's had often trod
As the soldier waited quietly, for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward now you soldier, you've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's street,
you've done your time in Hell."
Author unknown
debbi
August 9, 2008
To the family and parents of Jonathan I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.
http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.
com/
In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR
Valorie
August 8, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
Rayna Partin
August 8, 2008
As a fellow Madison-ite I want to extend my sympathy to the family of Spc. Jon Menke. His heroism and outstanding attitude/personality will be greatly remembered on and on for years to come. Jon was an asset to our country, his friends, and our community and will be greatly missed by everyone. Thanks Jon for being a great, heroic individual. Love always, see you again in heaven.
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
August 8, 2008
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Spc. Jonathan D. Menke our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Jonathan. And to Jonathan it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the utimate sacrifice he made in combat while serving the U.S. Army and his country. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Jonathan, you are a brave Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Jonathan’s family and loved ones.
Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Sandy Bonesteel
August 8, 2008
My condolences to the family of Spc. Jonathan D. Menke. I know there aren't any words that can go as deep as the grief they feel. But I pray they will know that there are many, many people grieving with them. Many, many people who care very deeply about them and about Spc. Jonathan Menke.
Shelley H - Blue Star Mom
August 8, 2008
From our military family to yours, we would like to thank SPC Jonathan Menke for his service and sacrifice to this grateful country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Kirkpatrick
August 7, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss of another American Hero. I lost our only son David 4-27-07 and I know what you and your family are going thru. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I will never forget the sacrifice Jonathan made for our country.
Mom of PFC David Kirkpatrick
KIA 4-27-07
Fallujah Iraq
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
Gale Poindexter
August 7, 2008
I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Spc Jonathan D Menke. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4
Spc. Jonathan D. Menke
August 7, 2008
Garnet Jenkins
August 7, 2008
Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, to learn of the loss of
Spc. Jonathan D. Menke.
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly and
having lost a brother to war...
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, that seems to surface through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
May the memories of your Brave Young Soldier, remain in your heart always and give you strength through the difficult days ahead, and may Jonathan Rest Safely now, in the Loving Care of God and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Menke family.
I am the sister, of such a young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~
I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A True American Hero to all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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