Michael J. Menke "Skinny", 49 years, of West Point, Iowa died at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. He was born December 15, 1961 at Fort Madison, Iowa a son of Leonard G. "Tator" and Wanda D. (Harris) Menke. He grew up in the Cedar Rapids area and was a 1980 graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. He first worked at McDonalds and managed several stores in the Cedar Rapids area. He moved back to the West Point area in 1986 to farm with his father. He was a trustee for the Pleasant Ridge Township and served on the West Point Fire Board. He was a Boy Scout with Troop 33 in Cedar Rapids, where he attained his Eagle Scout rank. He was of the Christian faith. He played Santa at Christmas time for many children in the area. He enjoyed playing pool, bowling, fishing, cards, going to auctions, and visiting with friends over a cup of coffee. He was known for his teasing and tormenting!

He is survived by his mother, Wanda Smith, of West Point, Iowa; three sisters: Amy Menke, of West Point, Iowa and special niece, Audrey Menke; Patty (husband Howard) Ross, of Fort Madison, Iowa; and Kristine (husband Jeff) Burkle, of Cedar Rapids; his maternal grandfather, Richard Smith, of Danville, Iowa; one uncle, three aunts, several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dog, Daisy. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Menke; stepfather, Stuart L. Smith; and several brothers and sisters.

Friends may call after 2:00 pm Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home, West Point, Iowa, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Barr-Holtkamp Funeral Home, West Point, with Pastor Samuel Dronebarger, officiating. Burial will be at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
A memorial has been established for the West Point Fire and Rescue and the Wever Fire and Rescue. Contributions may be made at the Barr- Holtkamp Funeral Home, 412 Ave C, P.O. Box 247, West Point, Iowa 52656.