Obituary
Dennis Stanley Menk
Dennis Stanley Menk, also known as “Grandpa D”, age 75, of Holmen, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 16, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI.
He was born in Windom, MN on January 17, 1945 to Herbert and Eileen Menk. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1963. Dennis loved to play sports and sacrificed his extra curriculars when he became a father and married the love of his life, Randi Revard, as a junior in High School on February 3rd, 1962. They recently celebrated their 58thanniversary. He worked at Tri-County gas station to provide for his family. His family was the most important aspect of his life. Their second daughter, Melissa, was born in 1967 and their third daughter, Suzanne, in 1972. They raised their family in the Minneapolis area until 1977.
Dennis was a pioneer to the computer world and graduated from Control Data Institute in Bloomington, MN in 1967. He later became an IT/Programming Instructor after attending the University of WI- Stout in Menominee, WI. His love for his students and co-workers was a special one. He taught at Chippewa Valley Technical College from 1981-2004 and was Teacher of the Year two years in a row.
In 1977, he and his family moved to Wisconsin, where he worked at International Dried Flower/Floral Farms and Whitehall Packing. He and his wife Randi, had an antique business that they both loved and worked at acquiring antiques, refurbishing and selling. Their business was called Granny’s Goodies. Upon moving to Pigeon Falls, WI in 1977, he loved getting back to the farming community as the life he knew growing up in Jeffers, MN and Currie.
His greatest love was his family. Hobbies included fishing, spending time outdoors, and taking leisurely rides on his pontoon with his love, Randi, on Chain Lake. He was also an avid WWE fan and a Vikings or Packers fan…whoever was winning.
In 2005 Dennis and Randi moved to Holmen, WI to be closer to family. They loved to attend all the grandchildren’s extra curricular activities. For the past several years, they were snowbirds and would escape the Wisconsin cold to vacation for extended periods of time in California and Florida. They also enjoyed taking trips up to Duluth.
His positive attitude and love for life will be missed by many. He always knew how to lighten the mood with his witty sense of humor. We find peace in knowing that he is healthy in Heaven visiting with his family and friends that have passed.
He is survived by his wife, Randi Revard Menk, three daughters, Julie Menk, Melissa (Tim) Holtan, Suzanne (Rex) Elvaker, seven grandchildren, Jessica (Anthony) Parkison, Joshua (Katie) Maug, Matthew (Anna Collins) Sacia, Lynnsey (Dustin) Olson, Kayla (Jorrey Olson) Holtan, Emily (Cody Dengel) Holtan, and Bradley Elvaker, and four great grandchildren, Wyatt Maug, Dominic Parkison, Alexie and Chase Olson. Other survivors include his brother Harlen Menk, his sisters Marilyn (Lee) Drossel, and Katherine (Jerry) Ulvin, several cousins, nieces, nephews, and sister-in-law, Nona Edwards.
Dennis is proceeded in death by his parents Herbert and Eileen Menk , his son-in-law Rex Elvaker, his in-laws, Earl and Mildred Revard, several other family and friends. He was looking forward to seeing all of them as he went to Heaven.
In light of current circumstances, celebration of life is TBD. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 581 Blair, WI 54616.
Randi, dear precious friend, and family….I love you all so very much. My prayers continue for our Savior Jesus to infuse each one with strength, comfort, and love as children of Almighty and Sovereign God. May the Holy Spirit provide all that you need. Grace and peace.
You all are in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss. Hugs and love.
Randi and your & Denise’s Family
Nancy and I are so saddened by this news…
I have so many good memories of cousin get togethers as neighbors on our farms in Currie…
It is also sad for me in that how close we all were back then and how we have lost that contact as time goes on.
RIP DENNIS
Dennis was a wonderful man. Always very kind to me when I was young. Loved talking with him at Wayne’s memorial.
Sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers
Jerry and I want to extend our heartfelt condolences. Lean on each other for strength once again. Again, so very sorry.
Our very deepest sympathy is expressed to Randi and the family. My husband graduated with Denny. So enjoyed visiting with both parents at class reunion. Your memories will only become sweeter. Prayers during this difficult time. Ronne and Joyce Robbins
I will always feel so blessed to have had this awesome cousin. He also blessed us with bringing his lovely wife Randi into our lives.
Our prayers and love to his Randi
and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis was always nice and considerate of others. You could tell, his wife and family were most important to him. I remember his great sense of humor. Such a loving and sincere family…..whom he was very proud of. He will be missed.
Sending prayers???and hugs??. To all.
Clarice L
Sorry for your loss Randi and family I had a lot of good memories talking with Dennis at my parents store Thoughts and Prayers sent
Randi and Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I have such fond memories of growing up with Herb and Eileen, Harlen, Dennis and Kathy. i remember playing with Julie when we were little.
Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Morgan (Esther & Lester Morgan’s daughter)
So sorry to see this news. Deepest sympathy, so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family, I don’t ever recall ever seeing Dennis without a smile and upbeat personality, he was a one of a kind special guy who will never be forgotten, his love for all of you shone through pics and posts on Facebook was a blessing to see for me.
So sorry for your loss. Loved your antiques. Still using table he refinished & chairs. Our sympathy to all the family. RIP Dennis.
so sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts and prayers with you .so glad we where able to see you and Dennis this year in Destin . If there is anything you need just give us a call. Dennis will surely be missed. Nancy and Tim Godden
The Tracy High School, Tracy, MN, Class of 1963, has lost a dear classmate. Condolences to Randi and family in the loss of Dennis, a kind, humble, decent man. We pray for you at this very difficult time. God Bless the memory of Dennis S. Menk!
Randi, thinking of you and your family. You will remain in my loving intercessions as you pray your goodbyes and return thanks. (Please send my warm greetings to brother-in-law Harlan.
Randi and family, So very sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. There are so many memories of our younger years back in the Jeffers, Currie, and Tracy days. We had lost touch in years after that but loved visiting when we saw you again this past fall. Dennis was always one of the people one fell in love with quickly. Our prayers and deepest sympathy. Love o all of you. Darris and Sharon
Randi,I have many,many great memories of Dennis growing up together,in school,and on his family farm,and family get togethers,after high school we kind of drifted apart, and went out separate ways.I rember staying with you guys when I was in the Marines and in route from one place to another.along with many great other memories.staying with him on the farm and playing 45’s all night,and trying to rember the words to some great old songs.His dad hated cussing,so he told Dennis and I to come up with a word rather than the old s___ word,we came up with shatovee.have no idea on spelling here,but I bet you heard it more than once.God bless you all,may Christ be with you all now during these trying times,and forever.David R Menk
Randi so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your wonderful family.