Dr Dave's maternal grandfather, Oscar Menke (1888-1972) was the 3rd son of Henry Menke. His younger brother, Walter A. Menke (1897-1967), was the 4th son of Henry John Menke (1854-1911) and Philippina Ottwein Menke (1861-1937), and was born in St Louis.
Like both Oscar and Fred, Walter was a very convivial person. And a hard worker. He began working as a sales representative for various shoe companies, most notably "Buster Brown" shoes. He amassed $1 million during his lifetime.
Walter met and married a lovely red-headed woman named Pearl Greer (1900-1965). Everyone called her "Red," except for the children! Walter and Pearl had a wonderful marriage, very loving and romantic. They had no children. Family rumor is that Pearl didn't want to lose her sexy figure by having kids.
Walter and Pearl lived a fabulous life style. They moved to California in the 1940's and lived in Hollywood. They traveled a lot, had luxury cars, and fine clothes. It is interesting to note that during Walter's career in the shoe business, he had met Dr Dave Menke's first father-in-law, Al Bornstein, on a number of occasions, as Al Bornstein was in the same business (but with a competitive company).
Walter and Oscar were not only brothers, but "best buddies." They did lots of stuff together, even though Oscar was 9 years older. They both worked hard and became wealthy businessmen. They also travelled together often, on vacations, with their wives - on train trips, ocean cruises, or anywhere. They always had a great time together.
Pearl died in 1965 and Walter lasted only two more years, dying in his spacious Hollywood home in 1967. When he died, Walter left most of his sizeable estate to his sister Lillian Menke (1894-1984).
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Interesting.
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