William Menke married Elizabeth Mertens on April 24, 1906 in St Paul Iowa. They are related through both the Wellman and Kempker branches of the family.

William John Menke was son of Herman and Catherina Spexarth Menke. He was born on September 29, 1884 in Houghton, Iowa. William was the second of eight children born to the couple, who had a farm near Houghton.

Elizabeth Mertens was born July 6, 1882 In St. Paul, Iowa. Her parents were Christian and Christina Schlanger Mertens. Elizabeth was the youngest of 9 children born to that family. They had a farm near St. Paul.

William Menke married Elizabeth Mertens on April 24, 1906 in St Paul, Iowa. They were married by J. A. Adams at St John’s Church. Witnesses were Henry Menke, William’s brother, and Christina Meierotto, who may have been Elizabeth’s niece. Despite being aunt and niece, they were only 3 years apart in age. I found this picture of William and Elizabeth.

William and Elizabeth Menke had at least 9 children. They had a a farm in Henry County. The 1930 census finds them living next door to Ben Menke and his family. Ben was William’s brother.

Elizabeth died on February 1, 1940. William lived until February 24, 1976. They are both buried in St Johns Cemetery in Houghton, Iowa.

I wrote about Elizabeth’s nephews in this post. I wrote about her grandmother in this post.