Earl James "Jim" Mohnke

Earl James "Jim" Mohnke, age 94, peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by family at home on May 1 2024. Jim was born September 23, 1929 in St Johns, Michigan, the son of Rudolph (Sam) and Mildred (Kinley) Mohnke. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School, Class of 1947; he attended the University of Michigan for 1½ years but decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become a farmer rather than pursuing any other career. He was a life-long resident of Bengal Township and retired from farming at age 65. As the saying goes, a farmer never really retires; he used his skills to help other local farmers, including his son-in-law, for a number of years until his health no longer allowed him to climb up onto the tractors; even in his 90's he was always inquiring if the fields were getting tilled and the crops getting planted, how harvest is going, and on and on. He also worked for Sealed Power Corporation for 6 years, was a Sales Representative with Pioneer Hi-Bred Company for more than 21 years, and served on the Board of Directors of the St Johns Co-Operative for 9 years.
Jim married his high school sweetheart Marietta Emmons June 11, 1950 at Bingham E.U.B. Church, and she survives him; they were married for nearly 74 years and together as a couple for nearly 80 years with a bond stronger than ever! What a testament to love, commitment, faith, and devotion that is now rarely seen! They had three children, and Jim always made sure to get farming or chores done early enough so he could attend his children's school activities. He had a shop full of tools, and could fix or make just about anything if he put his mind to it. He liked to keep busy, and always welcomed the chance to help family and friends. He enjoyed talking with neighbors along the way on his daily walks (up to 3 miles!) and was disappointed when his body would no longer allow him to continue that passion. He and Marietta also thoroughly enjoyed square dancing for a number of years in the 1980's and were members of the Maple Twirlers Club.
He was a member of Pilgrim United Methodist Church for many years, and later attended the Church of God. Jim could travel anywhere, meet a stranger, strike up a conversation, and within 15 minutes you'd think they'd known each other for years! Let us remember him for his love and compassion, all the lives he touched, and the many smiles and laughter he created along the way. His spirit shall continue to be a guide to all.
Also surviving are 1 son Daniel (Kim Bolen) Mohnke of South Bend, Indiana; 1 daughter, Susan (Jim) Schaefer of St Johns; 10 grandchildren: Elizabeth & Diana Mohnke; Kimberly (Anthony) Evans; Bradley (Vanessa) Monk; Joseph (Nora) Mohnke; Nicholas (Grace) Monk; Emily (Jason) Calvert; Julia (Brian) McFadden; John Mohnke; and Kendra Mohnke; nephews Dale (Mary) and Dean (Kay) Patterson; and 6 great-grandchildren - Taryn, Annie & Davis Kirk, Evyn McFadden, Owen Monk and Henry Calvert.
Preceding him death were his parents, sister Helen Patterson, son Eric, infant grandson Douglas Mohnke, and daughter-in-law Frances Mohnke.
A private interment service will take place at South Bingham Cemetery with a memorial service to be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Clinton County Historical Museum – Paine-Gillam-Scott House or Pilgrim Global Methodist Church.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.