Jim Menke

James Arthur Menke, the son of Vernon and Dolores (Schroer) Menke, was born on May 10, 1944, in Superior, Nebraska. He died Jan. 10, 2023, at his home in Nelson, Nebraska at the age of 78 years, 8 months.

Jim attended Sacred Heart grade school and Lawrence High School graduating with the Class of 1962. While in high school, Jim worked part time at the Lawrence Locomotive and after graduating he started working part time at the Blue Hill Leader. On Aug. 30, 1966, he was drafted in the U.S. Army, which only led to more printing. He was hired at a printing office in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, printing top secret government documents. Jim married Donna Hesman on Aug. 23, 1967 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence, during his last year in the service. After his honorable discharge on Aug. 29, 1968, Jim moved his wife and daughter, Tami, to Nelson where they became editors of the Nelson Gazette until 2002, when they retired.

Jim and Donna managed and coached for six years the three girls-and women's softball teams in Nelson. Together, they managed the American Legion Post Home in Nelson from June 13, 1980, until Donna's death. Jim continued until his death.

He was a member of the Nelson Volunteer Fire Department from 1969 to 1997. An EMT member from 1976 to 1990. City council member from 1978 to 1982. Jim was a Nebraska Hunter Safety Education instructor for 30 years. He helped start the Nuckolls County Pheasants Forever Chapter, serving as a member for 20 years. He also became Nelson's weather observer for the National weather service in January of 1995.

In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Dolores; and his wife, Donna, on March 2, 2021.

Survivors include his children Tami (Tom) Towne of Grand Island; Twila Knehans of Hastings; Todd (Cori) Menke of Creedmoor, North Carolina; and Tyson Menke (Melanie) of Fraser, Colorado; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Mel (Marie) Menke of Superior; Janet Reinsch of Geneva; Linda Menke of Lincoln; two half-brothers, Ron (Janet) Drudik of Hastings and Arlan (Sally) Drudik of Nelson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

His funeral was held at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 16, from the Klawitter-Price Funeral Home in Nelson with Royce Schott officiating.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers were Melvin Menke, Cody Knehans, Arlan Drudik, Ron Drudik, Chris McClure and Tammy Frahm.

Interment with military honors was in the Nelson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Nelson American Legion Unit 187.

Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Neb. 68961 or in care of http://www.pricefuneral homes.com.

Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson was in charge of the arrangements.