Daniel Joseph Menke, 34, Olathe,KS, formerly of Topeka, KS, passed away Friday, January 1st, 2016 from injuries resulting from a car accident on November 16, 2014.
Dan was born May 18th, 1981 in Streator, IL, the son of Barbara and Steve Menke. He spent his youth in Great Bend, KS and his teenage years and early twenties in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended KU, but finished his education at Washburn University in Topeka. Dan and his wife, Heather, celebrated their one year wedding anniversary this past October 10th.
A Telecom Communication Networking Specialist, Dan, worked for High Touch Technologies in Wichita, and Dynamic Computer Solutions in Topeka. He had several Microsoft certifications and a Bachelor’s in Business. Dan was passionate about being outdoors; GeoTracking, hiking, running with is dog, Macy, and playing out-door sports (frisbee, football, and volleyball). He was a big fan of KU Basketball and Miami Dolphins Football. Dan enjoyed tinkering and inventing. He was self-taught in home renovations and repairs and had a special eye for interior designing. Dan also could Google anything and figure out how to do it – cooking, repairs, lawn work, web design, etc.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, John and Elna LaFayette, maternal uncle, Gary LaFayette, and beloved friend and pet, Cougar.
Dan is survived by his wife, Heather Hinshaw; parents, Barbara and Stephen Menke; brother, Davis Menke and wife Megan, and sister, Sarah LaBarge, her husband Brandon LaBarge and niece and nephew Emily and Connor LaBarge
A special thank you to the medical team of the emergency room and ICU at Wichita’s Wesley Medical Center, Select Specialty, Wichita, KS and their LTAC team, the Emergency and ICU miracle workers at Overland Park Regional Hospital in Overland Park, KS, and lastly, to those angels who helped us say good bye, at Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, KS. You all hold special places in our family’s hearts. God bless.
Visitation: Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 from 5-7pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home
Funeral: Thursday, January 7th, 2016 at 10 a.m. At St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetary.
Memorial contributions may be made to
https://www.gofundme.com/doingitfordan
Or
To Steve, Barb, Sarah, and Davis you have our prayers. May God bless you all.
We were saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying that God gives you strength at this difficult time. Our love to you,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Menke Family – I am so sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. I used to babysit the Menke children in Great Bend. Daniel was always a compassionate, creative and generous child. He carried in him the light of Christ – always eager to help with a happy heart. My prayers are with you and for you now and going forward.
So sorry for your loss Heather! Prayers for you and family.
Heartfelt prayers to the Menke/Swanson family. My thoughts are with you all.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. God bless you all in this difficult time. Remember the good times.
Hugs and prayers for you all. He was quite a great young man who made me smile and would always go out of his way to help!
My thoughts are with you Heather.
Hugs and prayers going out to the family!