Schmitz Funeral Homes obituary – Michael C. "Cisco" Menke, 67

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Michael C. “Cisco” Menke, 67, of Mt. Hamill, Iowa, passed away at 10:22 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2021 at the Henry County Health Center emergency room.

Mike was born on August 14, 1953, the son of Jim H. and Rita T. (Veith) Menke. On June 3, 1972, he married Mary Lu Meierotto at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of forty-nine years: Mary Lou; three daughters: Angie (Jeff) Lackie of Sequin, Texas; Wendy (Tim) Vonderhaar of West Point, Iowa and Kerri (Jeff) Phelps of Stockport, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Eric, Luke, Judd and Dirk Daniels, Trenton and Meggie Meyer and Emma and Dean Phelps and one brother: Marty (Kathy) Menke. Also surviving are several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son: Paul Menke.

Mike was a 1972 graduate of Marquette High School. He farmed, raised cattle and drove a semi for J.J. Niching until his retirement. After retirement, he hauled rock for Don Walljasper Trucking. Mike enjoyed tractor pulling with his “Houghton Mafia” and early on received “Cisco” as his CB handle for communications between his tractor pulling convoy. Cisco seemed rugged on the outside but his gruffness was a facade for his soft heart he held right beneath the surface, it was just a matter of getting to know him. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Houghton Knights of Columbus. Mike enjoyed owning a cabin with neighbor and friend, Jerry Sanders, their families had some of the best times on the Des Moines River. Mike also enjoyed playing euchre with friends, leaning on his truck while enjoying the fresh air and teasing his grandkids. He loved his family and he will be forever missed by all!Friends may call after 12:00 noon Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that evening.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Houghton with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant. Mass will be live streamed on the church Facebook page and posted on his obituary “Tribute Wall” on our website following the service at:www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Houghton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in his memory for Houghton Fire and Rescue or Laplanders Tractor Association.

Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with local arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family atwww.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

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