In memoriam Elke Mahneke 1959 – 2011

Elke Mahneke, 51, of Plano, Texas passed away in her sleep at home on April 15th 2011 within her family and friends.

Born in Andernach, Germany she came to Plano with her husband Jürgen in 1989 and worked at the Grand Kempinski as the Director of Purchasing until the birth of their son Christian in 1997. Many know and love her in her role as the guiding spirit of the Bavarian Grill.

Elke and Jürgen met at Hotel School in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria in 1979 and she followed him to Atlanta, GA in 1984. Together they enjoyed their career with a passion for hospitality leading to the opening of the Bavarian Grill in 1993.

Elke had a good time volunteering at Harrington Elementary and cherished her daily walks with her dogs in the park. She became a Paul Harris Fellow in 2010 and her son Christian, a Carpenter Cowboy, was named a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

Her life and memories will be cherished by Jürgen and Christian, Gerda and Jan, Annelie and Thomas, Thomas and Anja, Günter and Christa, Peter and Sabine, Tobias and Fiona, Helen and Justus, Niels and Mirka, Sylvia and Ricardo, Erika and Marianna, Ben and Barbara, and the Guests and the Team of the Bavarian Grill.

She will be missed by many!

A memorial service was held on Monday, April 18 at 4 pm at St. Marks Catholic Church on Alma and 15th St. in Plano.

In lieu of flowers please click here to make a donation to the Rotary Foundation in her name.

Our special thanks go to Sylvia and her children, Barbara and Gerda!