Dennis Irvin Manke

Dennis Irvin Manke, 66, of New Auburn, passed away on Thursday, August 04, 2016 at the Atrium Post Acute Care Facility in Chetek, Wisconsin with his loving family at his side.  Dennis was born on September 17, 1949 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin the son of Irvin and Eunice (Albrecht) Manke.

Dennis worked at Jerome Foods in Barron for over 10 years.  Afterwards he did yard work around Chetek and also worked painting with his wife Nancy for many years until his health intervened.  Dennis especially enjoyed fishing and spending time in the woods cutting wood for heat in the winter.  He spent much time tending his gardens and apple orchard, anticipating harvest time.  One of his greatest pleasures was playing Santa at Christmas for his grandchildren.  He also loved being a wizard, appearing in costume at the Renaissance Festival in Minnesota and having multiple pictures taken with total strangers.

He was a unique character who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dennis leaves to celebrate his memory: his wife, Nancy Manke, New Auburn, WI, daughters, Jodi Ekblad, Brill, WI and Dawn Nicole (Tim) Akins, Hayward, WI; grandchildren: Austin, Sarah, Brandon, Christopher, Ruby, Yasmina, Adrianna, Ethan and Evan, great grandchildren: MaKenna, Kellen and Taevin, sisters: Sally (Bob) Vincent, Luanne (Denny) Bablick and Diane Checkalski, many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Eunice and his son Edward Davis.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Chetek with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating.  Dennis’ family will greet visitors beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with arrangements.