Gary Thomas Mane

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Gary Thomas Mane, loving husband and father, passed away after a short battle with cancer at age 60 at his home in Lewistown, Montana.
Gary was born on October 16, 1963 to Thomas "Tom" and Lydia "Polly" (Barry) Mane, in Lewistown. He attended Lewis and Clark grade school. In second grade he was diagnosed with Perthes disease. Gary spent a lot of time taking classes at home over the intercom and his classmates enjoyed bringing his school work to him. He then attended Lewistown Junior High and graduated from Fergus High School in 1982 where he excelled in sports. He and Jan (Knerr) Mane were married on July 14, 1992. They welcomed their daughter, Jeanna on November 6, 1994, and daughter, Jaree on April 29, 1998.
Gary was always a family man. He loved spending time with his wife – the love of his life since 8th grade – and daughters, parents and extended family. They enjoyed hiking and picnicking at Crystal Lake. They also had a great time going to concerts. He played various sports with his daughters when they were young, such as shooting hoops, playing catch, and spending countless hours swimming with them at warm springs. As they grew, he proudly cheered them on from the stands.
He was also a dedicated son. He and Jan enjoyed helping their parents as they aged, and caring for his mother after his father passed.
Gary touched many lives through his work and hobbies. He worked for Rahn's Food Center and Weir Furniture before starting at Johnson Nicholson Company/Intermountain Distributing, where he was employed for the last 37 years. Gary was very close with all of his work families.
Gary loved working out, and lifted weights at the Civic Center for many years, where he listened to great rock and roll and made many friends. He was an avid bowler and scored a perfect 300 at one time. He enjoyed bowling and golfing with his wife, daughters, and future son in law, Ben.
Gary enjoyed shooting trap with his dad in his younger years. He also loved to go hunting with his brothers-in-law at the ranch in Roy, MT. He and his good friend Rudy spent lots of time riding motorcycles, hunting, and target shooting at Rudy's place. Gary had lots of great times and memories with all of his beloved friends and family throughout the years.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Thomas; sister, Mickey Lowry; brothers, James and Ronald; nephews, Tyler Grubbs and Branden Frickle; father-in-law, Bud and mother-in-law, Bev Knerr. He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters, Jeanna Mane (Ben Mattheis) and Jaree Mane; mother, Polly Mane; sisters, Diane Brosseau (Lonnie Trogstad) and Carol (Larry) Grubbs; brothers-in-law, Richard Brosseau, Dwain Lowry, Jess (Jill) Knerr, Jerry Knerr, and Scott Scheeler; sisters-in-law, Jodie (Roger) Frickle, Jill Scheeler, Jonna (Paul) Bakker, Kristi Knerr; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A service will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 5th Ave. South, Lewistown, Montana. Inurnment will follow at Lewistown City Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Eagles Club.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Gary's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com Donations may be made to Central Montana Cancer Center, Hospice, or a charity of your choice.