Peoria- Jerome F. Menke, age 86, of West Peoria, passed away at 10:49 AM, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Born May 5, 1931 in Peoria, he was a son to Frank and Bertha (Apfel) Menke. He honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On May 7, 1955 Jerome married Eleanor L. Merna in Peoria. She preceded him in death on October 16, 1998. He worked as a sales coordinator for Bemis, Petratex, and IVEX before his retirement. Jerome was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree, St. Jude Council #4333, was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing. He was a long time member of St. Peter Catholic Church Parish and a member of their senior citizens group. Survivors include five children: Steve (Karen) Menke of Hayward, Wisconsin, Mike (Mary) Menke of West Peoria, Matt (Chris) Menke of West Peoria, Mark (Jennifer) Menke of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Susan (Jeff) Deppermann of Glasford; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eleanor, and one sister Marian Meyer. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 between the hours of 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church with visitation being held 30 minutes prior to mass. Father Donald Roszowski will officiate and burial, with full military honors, will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Jerome’s memory may be made to St. Ann Conference of St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Ann Church. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.