Gerald "Jerry" F. Menke

Gerald F. Menke, age 86 of Kearney, Nebraska died on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society – St. John’s in Kearney, Nebraska with the peace, love and prayers of his family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Kearney. Father Paul Colling will celebrate with Deacon Thomas Martin assisting. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed by clicking the following link https://youtube.com/live/4SYrwGjIsiI?feature=share Private family burial will be later. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, Jerry supported these groups and organizations: Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Kearney Public Schools Foundation, (Horizon Middle School), Aquinas Catholic Schools, and Dobytown Kiwanis. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message or condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. Jerry, son of Aloys (Al) and Clara (Dolnicek) Menke, born on June 20, 1938, the eldest of four siblings, Elaine, Marilyn and Raymond. Dedicated to his Catholic Faith, daily mass and praying the rosary were very important to him. Jerry was known to have a friendly disposition. Whenever someone asked how he was doing he often responded with “I’m Blessed”. He was incredibly grateful for his life. Jerry and Carolyn (Pohlmeier) Menke were married on August 20, 1962 at Sacred Heart Church, Lawrence, NE. They have two children. Gary Joseph, Lynette Marie, three grandchildren, Esston, Connor and Jillian. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was always pleased that his grandchildren affectionately called him, “Gramps”! He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, Hastings College; Masters Degree and Specialist Degree from University of Nebraska Lincoln. He began his career as a math teacher at the Milford Public Schools 1961-1963. In 1963, he accepted a position at Aquinas Catholic High School in David City, NE. He was a math, business teacher, and business manager until in 1974 he moved to Kearney, NE as Assistant Principal at Kearney Junior High School. In 1977 he became the Principal of Kearney Junior High and later Horizon Middle School. As Principal, the faculty fondly referred to themselves as “Jerry’s Kids”. He always enjoyed connecting with former students and catching up with their careers and families. They often said, we just can’t call you Jerry, you will always be “Mr. Menke” to us. Jerry was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church; served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and co-chair of the church building programs. Jerry’s involvement with community service was instrumental to his life and faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 69 years and served as Grand Knight. Other service organizations he was involved with were the Kearney Elk’s Lodge, Dobytown Kiwanis Club, Citizen Advocacy Council; Bible Study Group and the American Red Cross, he was proud to have donated 27 gallons! His life was a steady beacon of love, generosity and service; a man who walked humbly and lived fully. He will be remembered not only for the life he led but for the lives he touched. He served as president of Nebraska Association for Middle Level Education in 1993. He was named the State Principal of the year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 2001. He was honored to receive such a prestigious award and recognition. Jerry’s favorite hobbies were gardening, traveling and playing golf. He enjoyed many holidays in Pennsylvania with family and was fortunate to travel to several countries. Israel and Italy topped his list. He treasured the lifelong friends he made playing golf; especially proud to have achieved a hole in one at the Kearney Country Club. Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; son, Gary Menke and Adeline Bashaw; daughter, Lynette (Brandon) Eyerly; grandchildren, Esston Menke, Connor Eyerly and Jillian Eyerly; sisters, Elaine (Gene) Hansen, Marilyn (Ken) Kaup; brother, Raymond (Carolyn) Menke; brother in law, Virgil Brockman; brother and sister in law, Clint and Lorraine Buller, Gene and Jayne Pohlmeier; many nieces, nephews and a host of incredible friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents in law, Bill and Rose Pohlmeier; brother in law, Bill J. Pohlmeier; sister in law, Mary Lou Brockman.

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Gerald "Jerry" F. Menke

June 20, 1938 - May 24, 2025