Richard S. Menke, 92, of Maryville, Tennessee, formerly of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Blount Memorial Hospital.

Richard was a loving, supportive and passionate father, a sincere friend to all, and is deeply missed by everyone that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonse and Frances Menke from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is survived by his son, Christopher R. Menke.

Richard lived a very full and life, starting as a draftsman out of Marquette University, to sales and marketing at the Milwaukee Journal, owner & publisher of the West Allis Star newspaper in Wisconsin from 1961 - 1968, while also building and remodeling homes. Later he returned to publishing, and then after retirement, Richard organized various expositions, covering topics such as "Life After Work", focusing on retirement lifestyle options.

Richard enjoyed painting, with subjects ranging from lighthouses and mermaids to pets and nature.

In Richard's final years he gave and received much love and companionship with his pet cat "Kitty" and he was all smiles when seeing new photos of her while he was in the hospital.

Special thanks to the Blount Memorial Hospital nurses on 4N for their comfort and kindness, Doctors Wright and Hood for their compassion and insight, with special appreciation to Doctor Peter Scott with Cardiology and Nurse Practitioner Katie Myers with Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers, his son requests donations be made to a no-kill Animal Shelter or Humane Society in your area.

A private family gathering will be held in remembrance and celebration.