Glenn M. Manke

1948 - 2025

Watertown, WI - Glenn M. Manke, 77, passed away on August 27, 2025, at his beloved home in Watertown, Wisconsin, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with skin cancer.

Glenn was born on July 23, 1948, to parents Alvin Sr. and Ella (nee Radtke) Manke. He lived in Watertown his entire life, attending St. John's Grade School and Watertown High School. In the summer of 1969, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann E. Manke (nee Seeber). They shared 56 beautiful and memorable years together before his passing.

In 1971, Glenn began his career with the Milwaukee Road railroad company, which later became Soo Line and then Canadian Pacific. He took great pride and pleasure in his work, creating many friendships and countless stories over his 30-plus-year career.

To know Glenn was to know a man with a deep love for hunting and fishing. His beloved home showcased a large and unique collection of taxidermy, which he delighted in showing to family, friends, and even the occasional new guest at his "ponderosa." Among his most prized mounts were a buffalo and a beaver, each with a story he loved to share.

Glenn also took great pride in maintaining his homestead with Mary Ann. Together, they created a welcoming home where family and friends often gathered to celebrate, visit, and make lasting memories. He could often be seen mowing the lawn, adding new landscaping, or simply sitting on the patio enjoying the birds with a Diet Pepsi in hand before climbing back onto his mower.

He loved his country-westerns, both on TV and the radio, and was known to regularly quote Willie Nelson. Every Sunday evening , he faithfully watched Cowboy Church on RFD.

Glenn will be remembered for his generosity, his joy in helping friends and family, and the laughter he brought to every gathering. He was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, the best lawnmower, an avid outdoorsman, and a country-western fan. Though he has left us here on earth to "go over the mountain," he will forever be remembered in our hearts and memories.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Manke; his three daughters, Kim (Scott) Cramer, Ann Manke, and Jolene (Chad) U'Ren; his seven grandchildren, Aubrey (David) Dominguez, Autumn Dominguez, Nicole (Tanner) Riedl, Steven (Janelli) Cramer, Shane Cramer, Brittany Rue, and Jaxson U'Ren; seven great-grandchildren, with two more expected this fall; his sister, Frances Schlesnner; and dear friends Marvin Zeman, Dale Hardtke, and Leon Hardtke.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Sr. and Ella Manke; his siblings, Alvin (Mike) Manke, David Manke, and Carol Wallace; his mother- and father-in-law; and many beloved family members through the years.

In accordance with the family's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held in July 2026, on what would have been his first heavenly birthday and 57th wedding anniversary. Details will be shared as the date approaches. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.

The family would like to encourage everyone, in Glenn's honor, to wear appropriate clothing outdoors, use sunscreen, and schedule regular skin screenings to help prevent skin disorders and cancers.

"The kingdom of God is inside you and all around you. Not in a building of wood and stones."