Timothy Berton Menke

Timothy Berton Menke, DDS, FAGD, age 69, son of Lester and Kathlyn Menke, passed away on April 8, 2021, in Spencer, Iowa, in hospice care following a short illness.

Tim was born on November 21, 1951, in Cherokee, Iowa, and grew up on a farm near Calumet. He was an energetic and fun-loving child who was active in 4-H, showing livestock at the O'Brien County Fair. Tim served as president of the 1970 class at Sutherland Community High School, where he played basketball, ran track, participated in drama, music, forensics, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He attended the University of South Dakota and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1974. Upon graduation, he enrolled in the University of Iowa Dental School, graduating in 1977.

Dr. Menke ran a successful dental practice in Cherokee for more than forty years, providing the community with compassionate dental care. He viewed it as an honor and privilege to serve his patients, who fondly referred to him as "Doc." Tim was a life-long learner who earned a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) in 2011. He also acted as a clinical training mentor for CEREC CAD-CAM technology at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ from 2013-2014. Tim was a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He served a term as President of the Iowa Academy of General Dentistry.

Tim took great pride in serving three terms on the Cherokee School Board and was board president for eight years. He served on the Bethlehem Lutheran Church council and was involved in many community organizations, including the Jaycees, Rotary Club, and the Cherokee Community Theatre.

After retiring in 2019, he moved to Spencer with his significant other, Linda Mann. Tim enjoyed studying piano, gardening, golfing, boating, camping, fishing, and traveling. He also had a love of grilling and cooking. Tim was a man of strong faith, attending Hope Church in Spencer and was a member of the men's Bible study group.

He is survived by his significant other, Linda Mann of Spencer; son, Nicholas Menke (Ruta Pareigis Menke) of Davenport; daughter, Abby Menke Freeman (Brad Freeman) of Austin, Texas; former wife, Virginia Menke of Cherokee; brother, Daniel Menke (Patricia) of Calumet; sisters, Anne Menke (Sarah Dumke) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Sarah Menke-Fish (Don Fish) of Potomac, Maryland. He will be missed by his four adoring grandchildren, Nolan, Aubree, Evelina, and McKenna, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also fondly remembered by Linda's family: Darren (Raquel) Mann of Murray; Lisa (Todd) Cline of Altoona; and Linda's grandchildren Tyler (Ashley) Christle, Caitlyn Christle, Kathleen (Roger) Kelly, Cody, Sierra, and Savannah Mann; Linda's great-grandchildren, Khia, Addison, Claire, Beckett, and William, and all of Linda's siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Kathlyn Menke, brother, David, and sister, Mary, who passed away of Spina Bifida at a young age.

At Tim's request, the family will hold a private graveside service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Spina Bifida Association, 

www.spinabifidaassociation.org/ways-to-donate/  Under "Give Online," select "Donate in memory or in honor of", or a gift in Dr. Menke’s memory to support the College of Dentistry Patient Assistance Fund at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. Contributions can be submitted online, Donation Form – Gift Details.

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