After a long and painful illness, Fred Menking, Sr. passed away last Thursday afternoon. The news of his death did not come as a surprise to those who waited by his bedside as it had been known from the outset that his disease was incurable. Still there had been periods of hope during the illness, and when the news was given out that he had died, it came as a shock to some who were hopeful to the last. Mr. Menking was among the older of the residents of Washington county, having come to this part of Nebraska in 1873. He was a native of Germany, being born in that country in October, 1837. He came to America in 1860 and lived for some years in Cincinnati, coming from there to Washington county where he took the homestead which is now known as the Menking farm, and is occupied by two of his sons. Remaining on the homestead, by close application to farming and careful methods, he amassed a comfortable competence and then moved to Arlington to the home in which he died. During the entire time of his residence in Washington county, he has been known as a careful businessman, a good friend and neighbor and a man who was at his best in his home. The family surviving had in him a kind father and husband, and his loss will be mourned the more deeply for these reasons. When a boy Mr. Menking was confirmed in the German Lutheran church and that body still claimed him as a member. He was also a life-long member of the I.O.O.F., having been for years a leading spirit in the organization of which he was a member at the time of his death. The funeral took place from the home on Saturday morning, Rev. Couffer of the M.E. church officiating, and the body was interred in Arlington cemetery. The universal esteem in which the deceased was held is testified by the large body of friends who listened to the funeral rites and followed the body to its last resting place in silent sympathy. Those who had known him longest spoke in the highest praise of him as a man and a citizen, and he will be missed. The widow and children have the united sympathy of the community in the loss of the father and husband.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #44809920