Biopic of Harry A Menke

Dr Dave's maternal grandfather, Oscar Menke (1888-1972) was the 3rd son of Henry Menke. His youngest brother, Harry A. Menke (1902-1988), was the 5th son, and last child, of Henry John Menke (1854-1911) and Philippina Ottwein Menke (1861-1937), and was born in St Louis.

In spite of Oscar and Harry being 14 years apart, for whatever genetic reasons, Oscar and Harry were "twins." They looked identical, although Oscar did look a little older. They also had the same voice. It was eerie and uncanny.

Harry was the baby of the family, and when he was quite young, his older brothers, George, Fred, and Oscar, used to toss him around as if he had been a football or something! Harry grew up under the protective umbrella of his older brothers, as well as the over-protective actions of his sister, Lillian.

Harry met a lady, Helen Vokurka (1900-80) and they married. Like Oscar, Harry moved to Webster Groves, a suburb of St Louis. Like Oscar, Harry started his own printing company. Like Oscar, Harry's printing company was in the same building as Oscar's company. In fact, Harry rented space on the top floor of a building owned by his brother, Oscar. Like Oscar, Harry and his wife had two children. However, both of Harry's children were boys: Harry Menke (1930-) known as "Little Harry," and Richard Menke (1934-) known as "Dick."

When Harry's sister, Lillian, died in 1984, she left most of her estate to Harry. Near the end of his life, Harry and Helen lived in a Lutheran-based assisted living facility in Webster Groves. When Harry passed away, his estate went to his two sons and his two granddaughters.