Lore McManus Solo

Lore McManus Solo was born on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1956, and throughout her life was a blessed gift to all who knew her. She entered eternal life on July 28, 2025, at the age of 68, leaving behind a hollow that can only be filled by the depth of her love.

Born the third in a family of six children to Walter and Mary McManus of Urbandale, IA, Lore devotedly loved her family and her Catholic faith. She attended St. Pius X and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School (‘75). She went to Northwest Missouri State University where she was a member of Delta Zeta, and met a fellow Broadcast Journalism major, Jim Solo – they married in 1981.

Lore began her career as a news anchor, reporter, and producer at WHO Radio in Des Moines. She worked 13 years in key communications and marketing positions at the Iowa Departments of Human Services and Cultural Affairs/State Historical Society, where she wrote speeches for the Governor, led communications programs ranging from welfare reform to refugee services, and spearheaded initiatives in tourism and historic preservation. For 15 years, Lore was Principal and VP of PR at Strategic America, focusing on strategic planning, crisis management, and media relations for local and national campaigns. Lore also served on the board of WORLDCOM, the largest global network of leading PR firms. In her final chapter, Lore ran her own firm, The Solo Consultancy, drawing on more than four decades of experience. Recognized for her creativity and enthusiasm in her work, Lore’s distinguished career in Marketing & PR left a lasting impact on clients and colleagues alike.

As devoted as she was to her career, Lore longed to be a mother, and her dream was fulfilled with the birth of her daughter, Emily – a long-awaited joy. She delighted in motherhood, always making time for her family, and was a proud and loving parent. Her love was selfless and gentle – qualities that define her not only as a mother, but as a person. Lore was often found beautifying her home with seasonal decor and tending to her flower gardens. She was a proud graduate of the Iowa Master Gardener program, which exemplified her deep knowledge of horticulture. She often shared plants, gardening advice, and photos of her beautiful blooms.

Lore gave freely of her heart, expecting nothing in return. She found joy in cooking meals and baking treats for the ill and homeless. She had a gift for making whomever she was with feel seen, valued, and welcome. Lore was known to send thoughtful, handwritten cards and personalized care packages for holidays, birthdays, or no reason at all. She was deeply involved in her community and served as board member for numerous organizations throughout her life, including the American Heart Association, United Way, the Dowling Catholic Foundation, Rock in Prevention, the Sacred Heart Women’s Guild and the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference.

Her legacy of love and service lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her. Lore is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jim; her daughter, Emily Solo (Adam) Tell; her brothers and sisters: Dennis (Donna) McManus, Julie McManus (Tim Schupp), Patrick (Nancy) McManus, Maureen McManus Porth, Stephen (Lisa) McManus, along with many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Mary McManus, who assuredly embraced her at heaven’s gates.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 10th from 4:30-7:00 pm, with remarks and a rosary to follow. Her funeral will be Monday, August 11th at 10:30 am, with a luncheon immediately after. Both the visitation and funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, IA. Private interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. Arrangements by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, IA.