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Richard Mankowski Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Mankowski
Tom Kresnak
May 9, 2021
Dear Shasta,
I wish you the best on this sad remembrance day.Paula and I think of you guys over the years and take comfort in the fact that we were able to share a part of your and Dick's life.
I have many nice memories of Dick from our Colo. time.
Pls. take care and have faith that you will see "Manko" again in our next life.
Margarita Rivera-Cienfuegos
June 6, 2011
Dear Mrs. Mankowski,
A piece of my heart broke when I was jogging at the gym yesterday, because it was at that moment I reminisced of the first time I spoke to coach "Manko".
One day I would like to share that story with you.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers as I'm certain coach "Manko" is smiling a peaceful smile.
God Bless,
Margarita & Family
Tom Kresnak
May 30, 2011
Shasta,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
This time is made more difficult because Dick lived life to its fullest. He touched many people's lives during his teaching career and helped many students get on the right track of life.
During the days we shared at the Univ. of Colorado, I have so many fond memories of Dick. We shared the collegate football experience, classroom time and outdoor activities.Dick was a serious student and determined to round-out his entire University experience.
We shared living quarters, six of us lived in the "House of Laughs" as we called it. Everyone was happy to share a moment in time with Dick.
The proudest I ever saw Dick was on your wedding day. Being in the wedding party , he confided in me how much he loved you and how he looked forward to the future married life.
Your 46 year marriage is a testimony to your shared love as is your family.
We'll miss him. I'll always remember him sitting on our front deck enjoying a warm summer morning with a cup of coffee and quietly reading a good book.
God willing we'll all be together again.
Love, Tom Kresnak
Chery S.
May 24, 2011
In my OCHS gym class he always provided words of encouragement. A great teacher and a true gentleman. It was over 30 years ago, but you don't forget people who help to make you a better person. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Linda Cain/Borchardt
May 22, 2011
Mr. Mankowski was a wonderful, loving and caring person. I remember in gym class I would not do a summersalt, frontwards or backwards cause I was so afraid of falling. One day after class he called me over to him and helped teach me how to do it. He made me feel so comfortable when he put his arm out and said you can do it .I will not let you fall. He did not like to hear "I can't do it". He would work with you till you did it. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher. You will be missed by many. My thoughs and prayers are with you and your family.
Vernon Skesteris
May 22, 2011
Jon, this is Vern from karaoke back in the days of Lakeside Pub & Grill. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My deepest sympathy to you, Tina and your family. Stay Strong! Vern
Cynthia Swanson
May 22, 2011
Our deepest condolences from Neenah. -The Swansons (Colleen)
Kristine Orkin
May 22, 2011
Dear Mankowski family,
I never met your beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle. However, I've known Joel for a long time. Mr. Mankowski must have indeed been a wonderful man to have raised such a fine son. I've read the other entries in this guest book and realize that the world has been greatly enriched by Richard's presence in it. May you find peace in your grieving process and joy in your memories of "Manko".
Doug Hafemann
May 20, 2011
Manko was always such a wonderful person to be around. Whether it was water polo, hand ball, or the weightroom, he gave students an opportunity to be active and explore who we were and what we were made of. He treated everyone equally, regardless of your athletic or social standing which is rare in this world. His "quit whining" quote is an all time favorite of mine and I'm sure many others share that sentiment. Manko was a throwback which I personally appreciated. He touched countless lives over the years and was a definite favorite teacher/mentor/coach of mine. I hope my children have a Manko in school when they get older. My deepest condolences to his family.
May 20, 2011
Manko,our Homecoming King, how great it was to be together at the class reunion. We felt like teenagers again.
We were so proud when you played in the Orange Bowl Game.
Most of all I will always think of your beautiful, kind blue eyes, on your strong rugged body. God be with you, and your family.
Kathy "Jabo" Arciszewski
May 20, 2011
Uncle Dick was a father, a husband, a grandfather, my uncle, a teacher, a mentor, but above all he was a great friend to all those who needed him. He will be greatly missed by so many people that have had the pleasure to have known him. Rest in peace Uncle Dick. My love to Aunt Shasta, John, Joel,Jason, Joshua and Jazmine.
Patricia Jackson Peters
Quentin Lamers II
May 19, 2011
Coach Mankowski had a positive impact on so many people besides myself. He was respected by all as a great teacher and coach. I have so many great memories and lessons learned from the football field to the wrestling mat. He was an inspirational leader to all! My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.
Rick and Nancy Redet
May 19, 2011
To the Mankowski Family:
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you. Dick will be greatly missed.
Paul Sweet
May 18, 2011
Dick made made my day while working out at the SAC. He became a true friend and will be dearly missed. I am glad I got to know him and his lovely wife Shasta. Thanks for all the fish!
Bob Savatovic
May 18, 2011
Just heard the sad news about Dick...I knew him from the racquetball club where he would "ref" our doubles games because he knew our opponents would cheat and he always kept them "in line".
Great, great guy...I will miss his smile and fishin' stories...my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
May 18, 2011
Mr. Man as I remember him was a true inspriation to me. He wasn't just a Phy Ed. teacher but a life coach as well. He made each and every one of us beleive we could do anything and helped us with confidence and learning. How to push ourselves, without being a tyrant. My sympathy to the family. He had a bigger family than he probably ever realized. Now he will know. R.I.P., Mr. Man, I will never forget the things you taught me.
Curt Fakler
May 17, 2011
It was is very sad news that Coach Mankowski passed. He was a true gentleman. The world was better for him being here.
Liane Nugent Guthrie
May 17, 2011
Mr Mankowski was one of my all time favorite teachers, Growing up with out a father I looked to him and Mr. Kaz to give me fatherly advice and approval. Not that I think they always approved but I felt accepted and cared for. He told Linda Romans and I that after our freshman year of PE together that he was going to make sure that never happened again. LOL We were a handful for most people and we never did have PE scheduled together again. But we usally could be found hanging around the shop classes and visiting each other's PE classes and he always fussed at us. He spoke many times of his beautiful wife and great kids. He never fussed at us for any jokes we played on him just laughed and grinned. What a great man. I'll miss him
Cari B
May 17, 2011
He made sure every student he had knew they could succeed in life as long as they "quit whining" long enough to figure it out. He will be missed.
Mary Provance-Garvens
May 16, 2011
I fondly remember gym classes at OCSH way back when. Mr. Mankowski will be missed.
Mary Provance Class of 1981
Matt Ludeman
May 16, 2011
Manko, will always be missed. I just heard the sad news, and just got done telling my wife a solid 1/2 hour of Manko stories, I have been out of OCHS for 10 years now and there is no doubt that he made a positive impact in many lives while he taught. He always said it how it was, he kept it real with everyone he came in contact with, and he could get the best out of anyone. There needs to be more teachers out there like him. Thank you Manko for inspiring me and I will cherish the memories of you and may you rest in peace.
Patti Hittman
May 16, 2011
Mr. Manko was an awesome teacher and all around great guy. What the world is lacking now is great teachers/mentors like him. He truly will be missed!
May 16, 2011
I enjoyed working with Dick at OCHS. He was a good man who knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. His pain is over and ours has just begun. We will miss him and will cherish the memories.
Arlene Neumann
Tammy
May 15, 2011
Mr Manko will truly be missed! Great gym teacher back in the day!!
Jim Sommerville
May 15, 2011
One of the best teachers that I ever was around. He let kids learn their lessons and stopped things when they went to far. You will be missed.
Dennis
May 15, 2011
I have some fond memories back in my high school days of Mr. Mankowski and Mr Malek walking the halls drinking shakes. It wasnt until a few years ago when I tore out his driveway that I seen him again. After 30 years he still desrved the respect to be called Mr Mankowski.The world truely lost a great person.
May 15, 2011
Shasta and Family, we were saddened to hear of Dick's passing and will keep him as well as your family in our prayers. May God bless you at this time of sorrow. Your past neighbors from 51st street. Denny and Karen Matusewic and Family.
May 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
We have wonderful memories of times spent with Joel, and Jeff that brought our two families together.
Shasta, may you and your boys find joy in remembering, and peace in your hearts.
Cathy & Bill Bronk
Matt Sommerville
May 15, 2011
Manko was a role model to me. I still think of him everytime I enter the weight room, or when a student puts a foot over the line. I will somtimes tell the student they are lucky Manko isn't here he would have given them a chest punch. Thank you Manko for all the memories.
May 15, 2011
We think of him daily and Ron wants to call him to and tell him how the fish are biting. We are truly saddened, and we will miss a funny , and loving guy. Ron and Marie
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