Michele Menke

Michele Menke, age 53, passed away on June 10, 2026 after an extraordinary fourteen-year battle with breast cancer. She was born August 24, 1972 to Frederic and the late Arlene (nee Gordon) Mintz. Devoted wife to Jeff Menke. Loving mother to Max Menke and stepmother Kelsey (William) Enderle. Dear sister to Marla (Rubin) Mintz and Holly Mintz and sister-in-law to Laura (Cris) Fowler and Elizabeth (the late George) Meinhardt. Grandmother to Vivian and Sophie Enderle. Aunt to Sasha and Julia Neefe, Jonathan (Heather) Fowler, Mary Kate (Peter) Brunner, Nathaniel (Maddie) Fowler, Katerina Meinhardt and the late Benjamin Fowler. To say that Michele fought cancer would be an understatement. For fourteen years, she faced every challenge with remarkable courage, determination, and grace. She refused to allow her diagnosis to define her, choosing instead to live life on her own terms-with strength, humor, and an unwavering spirit. Through every treatment, setback, and triumph, she remained fiercely resilient, teaching everyone around her what true perseverance looks like. More than anything, Michele loved life. She embraced every opportunity to make memories, spend time with those she loved, and find joy in the everyday moments that others often overlook. Her laughter was contagious, her heart was generous, and her presence brought comfort and happiness to family and friends alike. Michele was a fiercely loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan. During Football Season, Sundays were reserved for the Steelers where she would celebrate victories and passionately scream at the TV or her phone. Win or lose, her loyalty never wavered. Music was one of her greatest passions, and few things brought her more joy than Pearl Jam. Their songs became part of the soundtrack of her life, carrying her through celebrations, adventures, and difficult days. The messages of resilience, hope, and living authentically resonated deeply with her and reflected the way she chose to live. One of Michele's greatest joys was the simple beauty of nature. She developed a special love for birds and spent countless hours caring for the birdfeeders outside her home. She found peace and happiness watching the birds arrive each day, identifying different species, and ensuring they were always well fed. Family and friends will forever think of her when they hear birds singing or catch sight of a colorful visitor at a feeder. Michele will be remembered for her strength, kindness, determination, and ability to find light even in the darkest circumstances. We will carry her memory with us always and will remember the remarkable woman who showed us how to live fully, love deeply, and never give up. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 12:30PM at Weil Kahn Funeral Home (8350 Cornell Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249) where guests will be received from 11AM until time of service. Burial will follow immediately at Spring Grove Cemetery (4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232). Service will be LIVE STREAMED at https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/embed_viewer/122919. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The American Bird Conservancy. "I know I was born and I know that I'll die, the in-between is mine, I am mine." - Pearl Jam "And may good hope walk with you through everything." - Glenn Hansard

Tributes

Michele Menke

August 24, 1972 - June 10, 2026