Search by Name

Walter R. McManus Jr.

1928 - 2013

Walter R. McManus Jr. obituary, 1928-2013, Urbandale, IA

BORN

1928

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel

6337 Hickman Road

Des Moines, Iowa

Walter McManus Obituary

Walter R. McManus, Jr.

Urbandale

Walter R. McManus, Jr., 85, peacefully entered his eternal rest on Thursday, November 14, 2013, leaving a legacy to be treasured by his family, friends and numerous other souls his life touched.

Family will greet friends from 5 - 7 p.m. with a scriptural rosary at 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 19 at St. Pius X Church, Urbandale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 20 at St. Pius with graveside services immediately following at Glendale Cemetery, and then, a luncheon at St. Pius.

An armed forces careerist and attorney in three distinct areas of practice -- military, estate planning and worker's compensation -- Walt was foremost a man of faith, who instilled his love of God in his children and embodied it to the world in his numerous good works.

Known for his generosity and humility, he quietly gave away everything in his suitcases to those in need during his and his wife Mary's many international travels over more than 30 years. He and Mary sponsored several children's educations in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, teaching their children to be concerned for the welfare of others globally, while also serving as pen pals to their newfound brothers in Africa.

He had a love of the saints as well as Native American history. Upon the second of three professional retirements, he and Mary crisscrossed the nation to visit historic Native American sites for two months. Walter was also known as Walt, Junior, Mac, Grandpa Sugar, Papa and many other well-deserved endearments. Hundreds of family members and friends were honored to be part of Walt and Mary's Christmas, Easter and Catholic Mass card "club" over the decades.

Walter served as a leader in his parish, St. Pius X, over the years, including president of the Holy Name Society and serving on the Board of Education and St. Vincent de Paul Society, as a CCD teacher to fifth graders, and as a lector and usher for nearly 50 years. He belonged to the YMCA for decades, swimming, jogging and/or walking miles weekly until the age of 80.

A Des Moines native, he was a proud alumnus of St. Augustine's School, Class of 1937; Dowling Catholic High School, Class of 1946, and was a past president of the Dowling Club, of which he belonged nearly all of his adult life. Walter graduated from Creighton University College of Business in 1949 and Creighton's College of Law with his Juris Doctorate in 1952.

He served in the U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General's Corps for five years, active duty, and then 32 years as a reservist. Upon reaching 37 years of service, he retired as a Colonel, finalizing his last decade of service as Staff Judge Advocate of the 103rd Corps Support Command, Des Moines.

Walt began his civilian career as a claims adjuster for Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance in 1952. He served in several positions at Farm Bureau, including in advanced underwriting and estate planning. He earned many insurance-related designations and licenses. He then began a career as a Deputy Workers Compensation Commissioner for the State of Iowa, taking voluntary early retirement at the age of 75 in 2003.

Walt is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Eileen and his six children and their spouses: Dennis and wife Donna McManus of The Woodlands, TX; Julie and husband Tim Schupp of Minneapolis, MN; Lore and husband Jim Solo of Clive; Pat and wife Nancy McManus of Clive; Maureen and husband Tom Porth of Waterloo; and Steve and wife Lisa McManus of West Des Moines.

He will lovingly be remembered as an ardent supporter and attendee of family and school activities and the best grandpa ever by his 12 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, Emileah Velasco. His grandchildren are: Meghan McManus, Caitlin McManus, Keeley McManus, Patrick Reilly, Emily Solo, Amanda Young, Nick Young, PJ McManus, Madison Porth, Robbie Porth, Eileen McManus and Michael McManus.

Walt was born July 2, 1928 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines to Walter R. McManus, Sr. and Loretto Mary Donahoe McManus, both deceased. A brother, Robert, passed away in childhood at the age of 10.

The McManus Family expresses gratitude to the staff of Karen Acres Health Care Center for their care of and concern for Walt.

Memorials in Walt's honor may be made to the Redemptorist Missions, the missionary order of which his brother-in-law, John E. Gouger, is a priest; Rock In Prevention, founded by his son Pat; or Dowling Catholic High School. Online condolences are welcome at IlesCares.com.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter McManus

Not sure what to say?





Mary, Dennis, Lore, Julie, Maureen, Pat and Steve, and the grand and great grand children, I know what we say now can't give you much comfort at this time, but we just want you to know how sad we are, and that we hurt for you. We have such wonderful memories of all of you. We shared some happy and some kinda tense times together. The visits were happy, the time we shared with Dennis for some months in Houston, when Lore and Jim cam by for a short visit while on their honeymoon. Then there was the time we prayed together at the hospital when Dennis was having surgery. Thank God it went well, and Mary enjoyed a nice walk in downtown Houston. We will cherish all those times and the bond we feel we have with all of you. And we give thanks to Eternal God for the rest and joy Mac is surrounded by now. We love you all.

Frank and Juanita Donahoe

November 21, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family. I loved your dad he had a presence about him. He was a class act! Never said much but when he spoke you listened. He will be missed greatly. He and the family will be in my prayers. RIP Walt until we meet again.

Denny Ryan

November 20, 2013

November 20, 2013

To the Family of Walter McManus:

Many years ago, Mr. McManus was very helpful to our mother, Maria Balducchi. She appreciated his help, and we are grateful to him. With our sincere sorrow, and best wishes,

David E. Balducchi
Raya Balducchi Rawson
Albert J. Balducchi

David Balducchi

November 20, 2013

Pat and family, I am very sorry for the passing of your dad. He is in heaven now watching over you. He will be missed by everyone. My prayers are with your family.

Joe Grandanette

November 20, 2013

The Donaldson family sends its deepest sympathies. My Mom (Betty) and late Farther (Bob) always looked forward to their trips to Des Moines and visits they would have with the entire McManus family.Your Father will be missed but I am sure Walt and Bob are currently having some lively debate.

Tom Donaldson

November 19, 2013

Walt was one of the nicest men I have ever met and was always so polite at hearings.

greg egbers

November 19, 2013

My most sincere condolences on Walt's passing. I appeared before Walt on many workers' compensation cases and mediations and he was always such a gentle and fair arbiter of his cases. He will be missed.

Marty Ozga

November 18, 2013

Dear Mary and family,
You are in my thought and prayers during this difficult time.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.

Mary Lusthoff

November 18, 2013

Walt worked close to my department at Farm Bureau. Every afternoon he would bring me and my 2 friends tea. We always looked forward to our "tea parties". Know that many many people were blessed by knowing such a wonderful man.
Linda Gray Smith

November 18, 2013

my deepest sympathy to all

God Bless - Janet Stremlow

November 18, 2013

Beautiful person and family. Lucky to know all of you!

Suzi Miller

November 17, 2013

Mary and family,
I am sorry for your loss. I knew Walt as an usher and a kind, caring man at St. Pius, who greeted me by name weekly. I would see Walt at various Masses at other churches and was always glad to see his smile. Imagine my surprise in reading his obituary to find all his other wonderful life achievements! I knew he was a special man and his presence on this earth will be missed. It is comforting for me to know that Walt was greeted in heaven by many other spectacular souls! May God keep you in the palm of His hand and may he rest in peace.

Jeanne Thompson

November 17, 2013

Dear Mary and family I can not begin to know your pain. I can tell you how much you and Walt touched my life and I will miss his gentle and kind words and that wonderful smile of his. my prayers are with you all. God bless

Rebecca Crandell

November 17, 2013

Lore, Jim, Emily, Mrs. McManus, and all children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren - I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McManus once during Parents Day weekend at NWMSU as Lore and I were fellow Journalism Majors and on-air Anchors for KXCV (yes, we shared more than a few newscasts and reporting responsibilities as she was Janis Jones' and my predecessor in the role of City Editor for KXCV, and co-anchoring/covering the Braddyville, Iowa tornado of March 29, 1979 - an F4). My heart is heavy and I am saddened by the loss of the family patriarch - a fine man. Know that I was impressed with him when he shook my hand in the Broadcast Services Center 35 years ago, and know that he - along with his beautiful wife, Mary - raised wonderful children (having only met and worked with Lore, I can only imagine how wonderful Lore's siblings are based on what I know through experience working with a kind soul and Jim - her "one and only"). May Jesus wrap you in his arms, and comfort you now and forever more . . . I care.

Jeffrey Cook

November 16, 2013

A True Friend, Mr Walt McManus
He lit up my life in some very dark times in my life. I'll never forget Walt. Love to Mary and all the family.
And I have some treasures that he gave to me from other countries. Sincerely,
Marji Shade
Retired employee Ia Division of Workers Compensation.

November 16, 2013

Sorry to hear that Walt has passed away. We have always had so much respect for you, Mary , and Walt. You were and are a great example for all who know you. Always looked forward to Walt's Easter greeting and the little cross that came with the greeting. It always found a place on our refrigerator for several weeks. Always enjoyed our little visits at the ice cream store.
Walt will be remembered by us with
great honor. May the Lord bless and keep you , Mary. So thankful to know that Walt is with Jesus now. Love ya Dale and Shirley McDougal

Dale and Shirley McDougal

November 16, 2013

McManus Family, I would not even want to guess the number of trips to Mercy Hospital that Walter and Mary made over the years to visit my Dad with his ongoing illnesses. He never missed, always took the time. We will never forget Walter. With Sympathy

Bob Wiedmann

November 16, 2013

God bless Walter, and the McManus family. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

Mark Donahoe

November 16, 2013

I remember Walt and the family with great fondness. He was a good man.

Richard Adams

November 16, 2013

Mary and family, I am very sorry to hear Walter pass away. I was just thinking to see him this weekend, but he already on his way to heaven. I know he is in heaven in hour before devils get his soul!
I enjoy get seasonal cards from him; I know he cares about other than himself. It was very nice of him to think of me.
May God take his soul for eternal rest, and give all of you the support during your grief. I am here for you if you want to talk about it. I understand since I lost four members of my family which leave Pat and me and we keep in touch with each other. Aliceann die on St. Patrick's Day, 2010 from liver cancer. We as family were peace with her death.

Ronald Harkin

November 15, 2013

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Walter McManus's name

Memorial Events
for Walter McManus

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel

6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322

How to support Walter's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter McManus's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more