Robert Manske

Robert "Bob" Manske, age 82, of Little Falls, MN passed away peacefully on January 29, 2007 at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls. Military Rites by Little Falls VFW Post #1112 & Little Falls American Legion Post #46. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls, with Fr. Nick Landsberger officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 a" 8:00 p.m. at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service (West Chapel) in Little Falls with Parish Prayers at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will also be from 9:00 a" 11:00 on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at MN State Veterans Cemetery. Following the committal service a gathering will be held at the Courtyard Apartment Community Room at 800 Ann Marie Circle, Little Falls, MN 56345 Bob was born on September 15, 1924 in Finlayson, MN to Fred & Mae (Dosch) Manske. He grew up in Crosby, MN and at the age of 18 was drafted into the Army. He served in the European Theatre of Operations in the Second Infantry Division as a rifleman. He received four battle stars for campaigns during WWII along with a Purple Heart for wounds received in action. He was discharged on October 29, 1945. Bob was united in marriage to Arlene Dufault on June 26, 1948. He was an Internal Revenue Agent in St. Paul and in March of 1951 was transferred to Little Falls. In October 1953 he left the IRS and went to work for Hennepin Paper Company. He was the office manager and later the assistant Mill Manager. In 1972 he became the Controller at an Optical Products Company where he stayed until he opened his own accounting office in Little Falls in 1975. Bob was a life member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the American Legion and spent 10 years as a member of the Little Falls City Council. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed fireworks, fishing with his children, and playing pinochle with his brothers. He was an avid golfer, coin collector and bowler. Some of his children's fondest memories include annual camping trips, various card games, and pancake breakfasts. After purchasing an old family homestead he invested his time and energy to create our treasured lake cabin. Our sweet Dad will be deeply missed, but we can envision him dancing again in the arms of our beautiful Mom. Bob is survived by his six children, Rick (Carol Witt) Manske of Minneapolis, MN; Tom (Deedee) Manske of Pocatello, ID, Lynn Manske of Vancouver, WA and Jan Manske also of Vancouver, WA, Cathy (Tim) Wies of Inver Grove Heights, MN and Bob J. Manske of Fort Mill, SC; seven grandchildren, Adriane (Conrad), Ryan, Karissa, Alex, Josh, Kyle and Gabriel. Bob and Arlene celebrated 57 years of marriage; Arlene preceded him in death in 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters. Casket Bearers will be Bob's grandchildren and family members.