Mary Menke

Download Sister Mary Menke's obituary as a PDF.  
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Download the prayer service booklet as a PDF.
Download the booklet for the Mass of Christian Burial as a PDF.

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Sister Mary Menke, CSA, formerly known as Sister Doreen, died peacefully January 27, 2022, at Nazareth Court and Center, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Mary Margaret was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 15, 1946, the daughter of Donald R. Menke and Meta Ida Graunke Menke. Meta had three sons from a previous marriage when she married Donald. Mary was the first of three girls who comprised the younger half of her family of six. During her elementary and high school years, Mary was educated and inspired by women religious from four different religious congregations serving in her neighborhood, Sisters of the Divine Savior, Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, School Sisters of Notre Dame and the Sisters of St. Agnes. After graduation from Messmer High School in Milwaukee in 1964, Mary chose to enter St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, making her profession of vows in the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as Sister Doreen on August 15, 1967.

Sister Mary graduated from Marian College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1969 with a BS in Education. She enhanced this degree with theological studies throughout her years as an educator. She began her ministry as a gifted teacher of primary children at St. Joseph’s School in Rosemount, Minnesota. She also served at the following parish schools: St. Mary’s, Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Sacred Heart, Yonkers, New York; Immaculate Conception, Elmhurst, Illinois; Our Lady Queen of Angels, East Harlem, New York; St. Augustine and Mary Queen of Saints Academy both in West Allis, Wisconsin. Sister Mary created an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm for learning with her welcoming and creative spirit. After retiring from full-time teaching, she volunteered as a tutor in the Adult Literacy Program at the Dominican Center for Women in Milwaukee, WI, a culminating experience of teaching and learning that brought her great joy.       

In August of 2018, Sister Mary joined the community of CSA sisters residing at Nazareth Court and Center. In this setting, she received the care and support she needed to face the effects of her failing health until the time of her death.

Sister Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Arlin and Richard.

She is survived by her brother, Donald Menke, her sisters Ellen (Robert) Schanz and Kate Bakke, her nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of St. Agnes, with whom she lived, prayed, and ministered.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 -1:30 p.m. at Nazareth Court and Center, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  A Prayer Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Please check in for the Visitation and Prayer Service at the 375 Gillett Street entrance only.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Sister Mary at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  Father Larry Abler, Capuchin, will be the presider. Cremation will take place following the services.  Burial will be at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the CSA Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The Sisters of St. Agnes are grateful to the nurses and staff of Nazareth Court and Center and Hospice Hope for their devoted care of Sister Mary.

Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.