Noah Thomas Menke, 25, left this world to enter into the light of Heaven, following a most courageously fought battle. He was a true warrior fighting a rare form of brain cancer. In God’s perfect timing and embrace, Noah rested peacefully on June 11, 2026.
He was born May 17, 2001 in Indianapolis, IN to Michael Menke and Joanna Impola.
Early on and his years as a young adult, he discovered he had a love for travel. He saw many parts of The United States and the world, with very special moments spent in Spain, Italy, France, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Japan (his favorite).
Noah was gifted by God with perfect pitch and music was woven into to his DNA. Being an exceptional student was natural because he found true joy in all things music. Music was his driving force and his solace.
He began singing at St. Paul’s Choir in Indianapolis under the direction of Frank Boles (2009-2016). The school instilled in him discipline and creativity while utilizing the curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). Noah sang Soprano, Alto and Tenor at St. Paul’s for nearly 10 years which solidified his musical sense of purpose. His performance at the Washington National Cathedral in 2011 was the pinnacle of his young musical journey.
At a young age, he discovered his father’s trumpet and was fueled by a new passion. Playing trumpet allowed him to expand his talents beyond singing, and he caught the performance bug. He developed a love for the Marching Arts and was able to hone in and further develop his skills in the Brownsburg Bands and The Sound of Brownsburg, graduating with the Brownsburg High School Class of 2019. Starting college at Indiana University gave him continued exposure and growth with the Indiana University Marching Hundred and IU Pep Bands from 2019-2021. His career highlight by far was being a part of Drum Corps International (DCI) Blue Stars (2021-2026) culminating in 2022 as a Trumpet Soloist in the War and Peace Program.
He pursued his music education degree at Ball State University wanting to teach the Marching Arts to future performers. Very few things brought Noah more joy than playing music and fueling his newfound love for jazz, especially with The Wrecking Crew - Ball State Trumpet Studio (2022-2025) (Dr. Stephen Campbell, Associate Professor) and Ball State Jazz Ensembles (2022-2024)(Mark Buselli, Director). Louis Armstrong and Wes Montgomery would have been so proud.
Noah's positive spirit, strength, and determination throughout his battle with brain cancer over the past two years inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Even in the face of unimaginable challenges, Noah chose to live with courage, gratitude, and hope. His resilience is a powerful reminder to cherish each day and to lean on the people who walk beside us through life's hardest moments. He defied the odds by living almost twice as long as the initial prognosis proving that his spirit wasn’t done with us yet! He would never want us to give up seeking answers and solutions to all things challenging and beating the odds beyond all reason.
Rest easy, Noah. Thank you for the inspiration you gave to so many. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of your collective families around the world forever.
Noah is survived by his fiancee', Grace McKee; Fur-baby, Miss Mira; his mother, Joanna Impola; his father, Michael Menke; his grandparents, Nancy Menke, Ronald and Bo Fluharty, and Carol Impola; several aunts and uncles, Dawn Garland, Patrick Menke, Stephanie (Brian) Hampton, Amy (Matt) Chafey, Jeremy (Dorian) Kincaid, and Terry Ellis; Cousins, Sable Mongold, Jared (Rebecca) Mongold, Tia Garland, Kaitlin (Mat) Barbur, Drew Hampton, Jack Hampton, and Izaak Chafey; Brothers from another mother, Sam Parsey, Mason Schaffer, Connor O’Brien, Edwin Scott, and Danny Shemesh, and the BDUBS Council.
His interests and special talents were being a Lego AFOL, Digital Creator, Gamer, Voice Actor, Swimmer, Sky Watcher, Hiking Adventurer, Fisherman, Animal Lover, Karaoke King, and culinary connoisseur in Korean, Japanese, and Taco Bell cuisine.
He was preceded in death by his two grandfathers, Kenneth Impola and Thomas Menke; an uncle, Mickey Garland; and an aunt, Sheila Ellis.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to any of the following:
East Central Indiana Trumpet Association via Venmo @ECITrumpetAssociation.
E.C. Indiana, including support for students of the BSU Trumpet Studio
OR
Blue Stars Scholarship Fund:
To support low income students and assist with the drum core fees and have been accepted to the Corp. Blue Stars Scholarship Fund
And evolving is:
The Noah Project:
Fulfilling wishes for those afflicted by terminal cancers or physical challenges, ages 18-35. The Noah Project
And finally, if you weren’t a recipient of Noah’s realistic fart sounds with his mouth, consider yourself spared…especially, from an enclosed elevator!
POOT, BRAAAP! PBBBBT!
Enjoy life for it is short.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date in August 2026.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com