The family of Charles David "Chuck" Menke of Columbia, MO announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
Parenthood is the slow work of love. Charles did it well.
Charles "Chuck" David Menke, 77, surrounded by his wife and children, peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at his home in Columbia, Missouri.
Chuck was born to Frederick and Jeanette Menke on May 13, 1948. He grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with his younger brother, Mark. His childhood in Sheboygan helped foster his great love of the outdoors, as well as his lifelong devotion to the Green Bay Packers, who played just up the road.
After graduating from Sheboygan South High School in 1966, Chuck attended Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he made many lifelong friends and "brothers" at the Phi Delta Tau fraternity and met the love of his life, Cynthia Petersen. After graduating in 1970, the two were married shortly afterward in 1971, beginning a union that would last almost 55 years.
Chuck began his successful 40-year career in banking in 1970 as a commercial lender in Waukesha, Wisconsin. While living there, he earned his Masters of Business Administration (MBA). His two children, Andrea and Adam, were born in 1977 and 1981. From there, he continued his ascendance in the banking industry in Dallas, Texas, for another decade before moving to his final home in Columbia, Missouri, in 1991.
During his professional career, Chuck was heavily involved in many civic organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Boy Scouts of America, just to name a few. He was a loving and devoted husband and father to his two children, Adam and Andrea, throughout their lives, and then to his grandson, Andrew, after he was born.
In his spare time, Chuck was a passionate fan and shareholder of the Green Bay Packers. He also was an avid golfer, and a pretty good one at that. He played competitive rounds frequently with his friends at the Country Club of Missouri, where he served as president for a time, as well as on golf trips around the country and even in Scotland.
Chuck was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, regularly going on hunting and fishing trips with friends and family throughout his life. The outdoors is where Chuck was most at peace, and he often said that nature brought him closer to God.
Chuck's greatest gift to his family, friends, and all who knew him was his kind, welcoming, and joyful presence. He truly was the "life of the party," but in the best way possible. Chuck could light up a room and make you feel at ease with just a few words of welcome. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his great legacy will live on through his family and many friends.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Cynthia Menke; his daughter, Andrea (Phil) Tanner; his son, Adam Menke (Cali Lunowa); and his pride and joy, his grandson, Andrew Tanner. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Jeanette, and his brother, Mark.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staffs at Missouri Cancer Associates and Compassus Hospice, as well as all their friends, neighbors, and relatives for their loving support.
We believe Heartland Cremation should be unique. There is an urgency in our entire organization to provide Simple, Affordable, "Worry Free" cremation & funeral experiences.
616 Jackson Street Columbia, Missouri 65203 (573) 442-7850
