Joseph Menke

Born on November 20, 1948, in Berkeley, MO, Joseph (Joe) Clifford Menke of DeSoto, MO, passed away at the age of 75 on January 24, 2024. Joe will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories.
After Joe retired from Vee-Jay Cement Contracting where he worked as a laborer, he spent his last few years working part-time working at the Jefferson County YMCA. He was also a proud owner of The Kettle Korn Co., where he enjoyed popping kettle corn at various festivals and family functions for more than 30 years.
Joseph is survived by his son, David (Jada) Menke; his daughter, Christina (Menke) Fluegge; his granddaughters, Kayla Menke, Jenna (Trip) Hallman, Michaela (Jonathan) Bruns, Alexandra Dake Fluegge, Brooke Menke, Samantha Vincent; his grandsons, Gage Wille and Dillon Menke; his great-grandchildren, Blaze Hallman, Parker Shormann, Avery Wille and Josephine Bruns; his sister, Judith (Menke) Uhles, and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Donna (Vaughn) Menke; his son, Joseph Menke Jr.; and his grandsons, Stephen Menke and Tyler Menke. Others preceding Joe in death include: his father, Stephen Aloysius Menke; his mother, Cecelia Isabel (Chapie) Menke; his brothers, Charles Joseph Menke, James Stephen Menke, Melvin John Menke, and Bernard Raymond Menke; his sisters, Irene Elizabeth Gallantin, Valetta Cecelia Grubb, Dorothy Marie Kramer, Dolores Catherine Clemens, Mary Celeste Kramer, Evelyn Dake, RuthAnn Summerton and a baby girl at birth.
Per Joe's wishes, his family will hold a celebration of his life at a later date to be announced.