Wilbur Mennecke

Wilbur E. Mennecke, 86, of Rochester, MN peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, July 3 at Samaritan Bethany. Wilbur was born in Summit, Illinois on September 5, 1933 to Ernest and Mercedes Mennecke. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Janet Mennecke, as well as his son, Alan (Nancy) Mennecke; daughter-in-law Joyce Mennecke; and grandchildren Britta (Paul) Yuan, Jonathan Mennecke, Carolyn Mennecke, Rebecca Mennecke, and Bethany Mennecke, and has joined his son, Brian Mennecke, with their heavenly father. Mennecke graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana and served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S Sitkin, an ammunition carrier. He worked diligently as an accountant for People's Gas and Lutheran General Hospital, and was a wiz with numbers even after retirement. Mennecke also was a traveler, visiting distant countries such as Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, and celebrated his fiftieth wedding anniversary with his family in Alaska. Mennecke loved to bowl, play card games such as Solitaire, or play a round of chess with his grandchildren. His family and friends fondly remember he was never one to pass up a piece of good pie, especially when made by his wife Janet. A visitation celebrating Will's life will be held at 1pm followed by a memorial service at 2pm at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home on July 11. Memorials may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN or Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Watertown, WI. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Mennecke family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com