Biopic of Lillian Menke

Dr Dave's maternal grandfather, Oscar Menke (1888-1972) was the 3rd son of Henry Menke. His sister, Lillian Menke (1894-1984), was the only surviving daughter of Henry John Menke (1854-1911) and Philippina Ottwein Menke (1861-1937), and was born in St Louis.

Lillian was a fun-loving, and mischievous young lady. She got married in 1917 to a man named Joseph Doerr (1890-1966), a dental supply agent. Most of the Bavarian China that was a wedding gift to them in 1917 is now owned by Dr Dave Menke.

Lillian and Joe had a good life, but no children, as Joe Doerr was sterile. He had spent too much time around dental x-ray equipment, and it fried his balls.

Lillian and Joseph left St Louis in the late 1940's and moved to Los Angeles, where they could enjoy sunnier skies and warmer winters. They were close to Lillian's brother, Walter Menke (1897-1967) as they both lived in Los Angeles. In fact, when Walter Menke passed away, he left most of his estate to Lillian. Thus, she was a rather wealthy woman.

After almost 50 years of marriage, Joseph died, and a few years later, in 1972, Lillian married widower Lee Smith (1892-1982). They were married by a Mormon Bishop. That marriage ended in Lee's death in 1982, and she passed two years later. Lillian left most of her estate to her surviving brother, Harry A Menke (1902-1988).