James Maneke's Obituary
Big Rapids- James O. Maneke, 93, of Big Rapids; husband, father, brother and friend, returned home on Thursday, December 18th, 2014 after completing his journey that lasted over 93 years. Jim's journey began on December 2, 1921 in Rodney, the son of James and Esther (Molda) Maneke. He attended the Rodney School through the eighth grade, then went to Big Rapids High School. He completed 10th grade, when upon the death of his father he left school to help support his family. In his youth he recalled meeting the train in Rodney to pick up his papers, The Chicago Daily News and The Detroit Free Press to deliver. As a young man he worked at several gas stations in the area. Later, he was called to serve in World War II in the Asiatic/Pacific from 1942-1945. After his discharge he would meet and marry Ida Mae Johansen on June 26, 1948. They would have three children. Jim worked in the furniture industry for a number of years before retiring from Benedict Manufacturing in 1983. Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening, working in his garage, feeding the birds, and attending his grandsons little league bas eball games, the Buckley Old Engine Show, and the Fiddler's Jamboree. Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ida Mae (Johansen), their three children; Nancy Ellis of Rochester Hills, David and Keith (Lori) Maneke of Big Rapids, one brother, Dale (June) Maneke of Rodney, one sister, Betty (Sonny) Johansen of Rodney, five grandchildren; Kelly Rysberg of Rockford, Kristin Ellis of Phoenix, AZ, Kyle Maneke of Fort Riley, KS, Brian (Emily) Maneke and Brandon Maneke of Big Rapids, three great grandchildren; Andrew, Emry and Jayden; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Kenneth and Earl of Rodney, Art (Marian) of Big Rapids, and a sister Christina (Harry) Larsen of Rodney. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Morrison officiating. Jim's family will greet friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Home Hospice or the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
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