Karl H. Minkebige

Age 83, passed away Friday, March 23, 2001 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton following a very brief illness. Karl was born in Kaukauna on February 1, 1918, son of the late Otto and Dora (Gerhartz) Minkebige. He was a 1936 graduate of the Kaukauna High School and attended the Layton Art School in Milwaukee and Milwaukee Teacher's College. In 1941 Thilmany Pulp and Paper hired him, but his service in the United States Army forced a leave from his work from 1942 to 1946. During this time, he was stationed in the Philippine Islands. Upon his discharge from the Army, Karl returned to the area, resumed his employment, and married the former Mary Bayer on May 17, 1947 in Menasha. She preceded him in death on April 21, 1991. During his years at Thilmany he worked as the Art Director and in 1980, he retired as the Advertising Manager there. He was a faithful and active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna where he enjoyed lectoring, ushering, leading the rosary, and delivering communion to the homebound. He volunteered countless hours at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna, and was actually there helping out the day before his passing. His greatest joys in life came from sharing his artistic abilities with others, especially by creating birthday posters for his family and friends.

Karl is survived by two sons: Dan (Paula) Minkebige of Waupaca and Jon Minkebige of Kaukauna; a daughter: Kay (David) Lerche of Kaukauna; two grandsons: Max Minkebige and Nick Minkebige, both of Kaukauna; three sisters-in-law: Vivian Bayer of Appleton, Marge (Cy) Berg of Kaukauna, and Betty Ebben of Appleton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, and a brother Robert (Mabel) Minkebige.

A memorial funeral liturgy for Karl will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 29, 2001 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the hour of the liturgy. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Karl's name.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the members of the Culture Corner. You shared yourselves with dad – your tears and your laughter. You help each other through life's challenges. You are family.

To Father Jack and Father Jim – thank you both so much for everything. Your friendship, care, prayers, and support meant so much to Dad, and he thought the world of both of you.

Dad always said if he was remembered for anything, he wanted it to be his hands. He was proud of the many things he taught them to do. He loved nature, plants, and animals, especially flowers. He had a knack for arranging them. He also loved to decorate cakes and cookies. He even learned to knit and crochet. All will remember him, however, for his greatest love – the gift of drawing.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200