Jim Menke, 78

James Arthur Menke, the son of Vernon and Dolores (Schroer) Menke, was born on May 10, 1944 in Superior, Nebraska. He passed away on January 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 August 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 August 23, 1967 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence, during his last year in the service. After his honorable discharge on August 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/lady's softball teams in Nelson. Together, they managed the American Legion Post Home in Nelson from June 13, 1980 until Donna's passing then Jim continued until his passing.
He was a member of the Nelson Volunteer Fire Department from 1969 to 1997, an EMT member from 1976 to 1990, and a 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 until his passing.
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.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Monday, January 16, 2023 at Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, Nelson, Nebraska. Royce Schott will officiate.
Burial with Military Honors will be in Nelson Cemetery, Nelson, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to Nelson American Legion.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday at the Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Nebraska 68961 Phone 402-225-3301

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