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Michael Koehler Menge

Michael Koehler Menge passed away peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 14, 2022, in Lake Nona, Fla. 

Michael was born in Culver City, Calif., on May 1, 1940 to Irene (Thompson) and Maurice Menge. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Clarice Menge; and one brother, Frank William (Bill) Menge. 

He is survived by his son, William (Krista) Menge; two grandsons, Grayson and Ashton Menge, all of  Sammamish,  Wash.; one sister, Marie Menge (Brent Day), Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law, Joan Menge, Lynchburg, Va.; beloved nephews and nieces, Kevin (Brenda) Vandament, Quincy, Ill.; Kris (Dan) Matheus, Fort Worth; Michael (Claudia) Vandament, Arlington, Texas; Marc Vandament, Austin, Texas; Jennifer (Will) Ostenberger, Norfolk, Va.; Christopher (Kim) Menge, Boulder Creek, Calif.; Matthew Menge, Bozeman, Mont.;  and Elizabeth Menge Houck, Lynchburg, Also surviving are many great-nieces and great-nephews and his special Iowa cousins. 

Michael served four years in the United States Air Force in the 1960s, and later in life held the position for many years of  general manager over the largest Ford/Honda Motor dealership in Southern California. 

Even though he lived most of his adult life in California, he grew up in his beloved Palmyra, after moving here with his family in 1945. He graduated from Palmyra High School in 1958, where he was one of the school’s star athletes, both in football and basketball. 

Michael never met a stranger and his smile was contagious. He loved his family. His greatest joy in life was bringing together his family and friends as often as was possible. 

Michael’s life was also blessed with special friends, Neil and Ruth Gottman, who completely embodied Christ’s words to “Love one another, even as I have loved you”. Michael’s family will be forever grateful for their presence in Michael’s life.