Thelma A. Meinke

Thelma A. Meinke, 93, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Woodlands Senior Park. She was born on March 6, 1924, in Fond du Lac, the daughter of Anton J. and Lydia R. (Durben) Birschbach. Thelma was a graduate of Fond du Lac Senior High School, Class of 1942. On October 12, 1946, she married Emmert (“Mike”) F. Meinke at St. Mary’s Church in Fond du Lac. He preceded her in death on November 2, 2006. Thelma was a member of St. Mary’s Church of Holy Family Parish. She had been employed at Canvas Products at the time she met her future husband at Fond du Lac’s VJ day celebration in 1945. She was also the secretary, treasurer, and “gopher” for her husband’s business, Meinke TV & Radio Repair. Thelma had volunteered at All About Life Rehab Center, primarily in the Gift Shop, when her husband was a resident there (1995-2006) and continued as the lead worker in the Gift Shop for a few years after Mike had passed away. She loved going on camping trips with her husband, daughter and friends, particularly to J.W. Wells State Park in Upper Michigan. She enjoyed doing embroidery & crafts (especially making Christmas ornaments), working outside in her flower gardens, snow blowing, mowing the lawn. But, even more, Thelma loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia (Robert) Brooks of Madison; two grandsons, Shawn Brooks (Molly) of Eden Prairie, MN and Ryan Brooks (Angelica D’Costa) of Evanston, IL; two great grandchildren, Lillian Brooks and Connor Brooks; and a sister, Eunice Heaney of Fond du Lac. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Emmert, her granddaughter, Kelly M. Brooks, extended family and many close friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Woodlands Senior Park, Dr. Punit Kumar and the Agnesian Hospice Hope team for their care and compassion, and special friend, Nancy (Dilling) Schmitz, whose visits and support were so much appreciated by Thelma and her daughter, Marcia. VISITATION: Friends may call on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel, with Deacon Dale Paczkowski officiating. A private burial will be in Ledgeview Memorial Park.

Thelma A. Meinke

March 6, 1924 - October 7, 2017