Janice “Jan” Menking, 88, of Mitchell, South Dakota, formerly of Fremont, passed away on August 17 in Mitchell.
Born in Stockham to Wallace and Agnes (Rowe) Salmon, Jan grew up with a love of learning and creativity. After graduating from Kearney Normal College, she began her teaching career in Ceresco and Fremont. It was during a teacher in-service in Fremont that she met Rodney “Ranger Rod” Menking. The two were married on April 29, 1961, beginning a partnership that blended love, adventure, and service.
Jan left teaching to devote herself to raising their two children, later finding new ways to contribute to her community—selling Avon and working as a bookkeeper for the Fremont Public School System’s Food Service department. Her greatest joy, however, came from traveling alongside Rodney, serving seasonally in various National Parks. Together, they drove their RV from park to park, following the seasons and creating a lifetime of memories.
In later years, as Rodney’s health declined, Jan and Rodney moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, to be near family. She became active in the First Christian Church, and later in the Congregational Church, sharing her faith and fellowship. An accomplished artist, Jan enjoyed painting and photography, capturing the beauty she saw in the world.
Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, “Ranger Rod.” She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Tom Berg of Mitchell, South Dakota; son and daughter-in-law, Scott Menking and Carmella Lieska of Matsue, Japan; two grandchildren, Collin of New York and Leah and husband Luke Purcell of Kansas City; one great-granddaughter; brothers Gary and wife Vera Salmon of Lincoln, and Darrell Salmon of Austin, Texas; and many extended family members and friends.
Jan will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her creativity, and her deep love for family and friends.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Avera Brady Nursing Home in Mitchell for the love and care they gave to both Rod and Jan over the years.
Burial will take place in Memorial Cemetery in Fremont with a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com or www.bittnerfuneralchapel.com
