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BORN
1924
DIED
2013
Manny Firnstahl Obituary
Manny F. Firnstahl, age 89, of Colby, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2013 at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield in the palliative care unit with his family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colby. Father Dan Hackel will officiate. A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colby, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 4:00 pm and again visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of services at St. Mary's in Colby. Burial will be at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Colby with full military rites conducted by Colby VFW Post #2227.
Manny was born August 23, 1924 in the Town of Hull in Marathon County to Herbert and Lucille (Hoppa) Firnstahl.
He attended Saint Mary's Catholic School in Colby and graduated from Colby High School in 1942. After graduation he worked at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle WA for a little while. He then became a member of the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945. He was a crew chief during WW II and flew over China, Burma and India.
Manny married Genevieve Beil in 1948. Genevieve passed away in 1957. He then married Mary Primeau on September 5, 1959 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colby.
He lived in Colby his entire life and worked for several maintenance companies in the local area. Manny retired from working in 1993. He has done many hours of volunteering since his retirement. He also enjoyed camping and outdoor cooking and his famous peach cobbler. He also enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends.
He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Parish in Colby. He also was a Eucharistic minister at the church and for the homebound and a lector and usher.
Manny was a life member of VFW Post 2227 in Colby. He also served as commander for 2 terms and quartermaster for 15 years until the time of his death.
He was assistant scout master for the 383 Boy Scout Troop, institutional representative for the Ojibwa District and Samoset Council for 35 years. He received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award for his work with the scouts.
In 1997, he was chosen as Citizen of the Year for the City of Colby.
Manny is lovingly by his wife; Mary Firnstahl of Colby, 5 children; Connie (Jim) Schoeneck-Churchill of Rhinelander, Mary Chris (Mike) Mikula of Wausau, Butch (Joanne) Firnstahl of Medford, Tom (Diane) Firnstahl of Colby and Rich (Michelle) Firnstahl of Eau Claire.
7 grandchildren; Travis (Liz) Mikula of Three Lakes, Derek (Angie) Mikula of Appleton, Tonia (Ryan) Dobbe of Elm Grove, Tara (Jesse) Gruny of Medford, Jamie (Kevin) Churchill of Seattle, WA, Eric Firnstahl of Colby and Amy Firnstahl of Weston.
He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren; Kenadie Mikula, Lydia Gruny and Brynna Dobbe.
Manny is further survived by 4 siblings; Delores (Jake) Hedler of Colby, Margaret (Ken) Hasenohrl of Colby, Dan (Karen) Firnstahl of Medford and Margy Firnstahl of Arpin.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Herbert and Lucille, his first wife; Genevieve, a daughter; Kathleen, a brother; Jim, a son-in-law; Range Schoeneck and his brother-in-law; Berdell.
In lieu of flowers a memorial can be made to: Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Colby VFW Post #2227 or Colby Boy Scout Troop #383.
Manny's family would like to thank the staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care he received.
Maurina Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschilling.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manny Firnstahl
John Primeau
March 3, 2014
Aunt Mary - I have many fond memories of Uncle Manny when we would visit from Virginia. He was always very funny and kind to me and Steve. Reading his obituary reminded me of how good a life he lived, so often in the service of others, and of course enriched by his long marriage to you. Marianne and I will be praying for you, that you will be comforted in this difficult time. I look forward to talking to you again soon.
Jean Schultz
October 30, 2013
Dear Mary and family, Another good man has been called to his heavenly home. I know how much you will miss him. Find comfort in knowing he is in the arms of Jesus. May the arms of Jesus extend around you also as you mourn your loss.
October 30, 2013
Dearest Mary:
I was so sorry to hear about Manny passing on and thinking how you will miss your husband and friend. Please know you are in my prayers for the days ahead, asking the Lord to fill you with His comforting presence.
Very Sincerely,
Connie Mullins
October 29, 2013
Mary Margaret and Family. Sharon and I wish to express our deepest sympathy on hearing of Manny's passing. He was truly a wonderful man, husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Gary & Sharon Weiler
Larry Allmann
October 29, 2013
To Mary and family you have our deepest sympathy.
Dick Lange
October 29, 2013
I worked with Manny at Wick Building Systems when we were electricians. He was a good man.
Don and Marlene Kaiser
October 28, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Kathy Friday
October 28, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May your memories help you through this time.
Ken and Dori Schultz
October 28, 2013
To Mary and Family and all of my cousins, you have our deepest sympathy. Manny was one of the stalwarts in the Hoppa tradition. We are in Amsterdam and flying home on Wednesday pm. Will talk to you when we return.
Jody Underwood
October 28, 2013
Sending hugs to you Mary and family. Jody and Shane Underwood and family
Peggy and Craig Brandt
October 28, 2013
Mary and all Manny's family,you have our deepest sympathy. We had some good laughs bowling with you and Manny,and working at Colby and Spencer building homes with him.Take care and please know we are thinking of you at this sad time.
Loretta & Reubeb Schafer
October 28, 2013
Prayers to the family! He will be missed by many
Rae Jean / Allan Kaatz
October 28, 2013
Mary I'm down here in Florida so I can't be at Manny's funeral, this really surprised me on his passing. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Emery & Joanne Rahm
October 28, 2013
Our sympathy to you Mary and to the family. He is now in Gods care.
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