Lester W. Menke

Lester W. Menke, 91, of Elberfeld, Indiana, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023, at home with family by his side. Lester was born September 10, 1931, in Elberfeld, Indiana, to the late Walter and Lorena (Deneke) Menke. 
He was a 1949 graduate of Elberfeld High School. Lester proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, and he was a former Volunteer Firefighter for the Elberfeld Volunteer Fire Department for 70 plus years. He was employed for 22 years at Elberfeld Manufacturing Company and later retired from Amax Coal Company. Lester was a lifetime member of Zion United Church of Christ in Elberfeld.  He served on Zion’s Sunday School Board, Church Board and Cemetery Board. He was also a member of the Elberfeld American Legion Post #351. 
Lester enjoyed restoring antique cars and tractors, going to car shows and swap meets, driving his antique cars in parades, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends.  He was especially proud of the 1950 Ford Custom Deluxe Sedan that was the first car owned by Lester and his wife Dorothy.  He completely restored it, after finding it in pieces in a junk yard in 1989.  He always smiled when he told this story and when he said it was the car they drove on their honeymoon.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Vernon Menke, Russel Menke, Raymond Menke, Bennie Menke, and Marvin Menke.
Lester is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (Godeke) Menke, Daughter, Rebecca Rice (Mark), Daughter, Nancy (Shigley) Greubel (Jerry), Grandchildren, Daniel (Laryssa), Adam, and Jared Shigley, Great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Scarlett Shigley, Sister, Rosemary Stratman, Sister, Mariana Meyer (Larry), Brother, Gary Menke (Lavada), Sister, Jane Meyer (Phillip), and Brother, David Menke (Lisa), and many other family members. 
A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion UCC Church, 165 Elm Street, Elberfeld, Indiana, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow after the service at Zion Cemetery in Elberfeld. Pastor Paul Frazer will be officiating the service.  Military rites will be conducted by the Elberfeld American Legion.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Volkman Chapel, 2nd & Elm Street, Elberfeld, Indiana. 
Memorial contributions In Memory of Lester may be made to Zion United Church of Christ - Elberfeld or the Elberfeld Volunteer Fire Department.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.  A special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate care.
Sympathy wishes may be made to the family at www.titzerfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are in the care of Titzer Family Funeral Homes. (812) 983-4211.