Manferd Lowell Zunker

Manferd “Manny” Lowell Zunker, age 87, embraced Jesus, his Lord and Savior, when he stepped into eternity on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, following a brief illness.

Manny was born on March 3, 1937 to Herbert and Marcella (Bassuener) Zunker of Sheboygan Falls. Manny and his sister Carol grew up in a god-fearing home, but it wasn’t until he was 37 years old that he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and surrendered his life to him. He then began his lifelong journey of following Jesus and sharing how Jesus had changed his life with others.

Manny and Elaine Zwart met at Sheboygan Falls High School. Manny knew Elaine was the “one” and pursued her after she and her family moved to California in 1955. They were married on October 6, 1957 and were blessed with 61 years of marriage until Jesus called Elaine home on April 22, 2019. With Jesus as their foundation, they built a beautiful life together.

God blessed Manny and Elaine with the joy of raising three daughters. Their legacy includes: Kim (Dennis) Strysick, Sheboygan Falls; Aimee (Douglas) Orem, Rockford, IL; and Tanya (Dean) Freimund, Barron, WI. Beloved grandchildren include Hannah Orem, Rockford, IL; Gabriel (Andrea) Orem, Rockford, IL; Alexandra (Justin) Navis, Howard, WI and Branden Strysick, Sheboygan Falls. Heaven’s sweetest gifts arrived in the form of four great-grandchildren: Savannah, Owen, Thaddeus, and Elliana.

Manny treasured each of his family members as gifts from God and felt blessed whenever family was able to gather together. Each one will greatly miss spending time with Dad/Papa until they are one day reunited in Glory.

As a ten-year old boy, Manny started working alongside his father in his automotive business. Manny stepped into ownership of the family business upon his father’s passing in 1960. Manny and Elaine faithfully cared for Manny’s mother, Marcella, for many years until her passing in 1995.

Manny’s Auto Sales and Service was more than where Manny made a living. Manny’s “shop” was where he encouraged those struggling in life and expressed his generous heart. He was a rare businessman who took serving others to the next level. Manny invested in the lives of many hardworking mechanics, teamed with his office managers and Elaine who was his lifelong business partner and bookkeeper. Once he started selling cars, he enjoyed the unique challenge of fulfilling the custom orders of each customer. Many dear brothers made trips to the Milwaukee Auto Auction with Manny so he could bring cars back to the shop. Manny kept the doors of the business open until he retired at the age of 73. 

Manny was honored to have served in the Army Reserve from 1959-1965. He volunteered on the LTC Automotive Advisory Board, with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and grew in his faith through the Full Gospel Businessmen Association. He always enjoyed catching up with his friends from the Falls High School Class of ’56.

Manny’s church family has always been near and dear to his heart. Manny and his wife were faithful members at First Assembly of God in Sheboygan for many years (currently known as City Church). Most recently, Manny called Christian Life Church (CLC) in Plymouth his church home. Manny served over the years as an usher, greeter, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, small group leader and in church visitation. Manny’s CLC family has kept their loving arms around him after Elaine passed and found loving ways to stay in touch when he moved to Rocky Knoll Health Care Center. The family is deeply grateful to them for being a community of believers in word and deed.

Two dear souls who brought special joy to Manny following Elaine’s passing were Rachel Schneider and Ron Schroeter. They brought laughter and love into his life when he needed it the most. Katie Yockey also had a dear place in “Pop’s” heart. We thank each one for being a special extension of the family.

Manny’s family would also like to express their gratitude to Manny’s caregivers at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center during his final season of life. Thank you for being there 24/7 when the family could not. Your tender loving care was a wonderful blessing to our family.

Manny is predeceased by his beloved wife Elaine, parents Herbert and Marcella Zunker, his grandparents, his sister Carol Whitten, his nephew Jay Whitten, and many wonderful aunts, uncles and beloved in-laws. Each one touched his life in a special way.

Manny’s Celebration of Life will be at Christian Life Church, 300 Rustic St., Plymouth, WI 53073, on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., with Pastor Richard York officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Access to the link for the live-streaming of this service can be found at the bottom of the obituary on our website.

Burial will be private.

Memorials can be made to Rocky Knoll Health Care Center- Life Enrichment Program or Christian Life Church.

Manny had a kind heart and always made time for others. His family often teased him that “he never met a stranger.” He could strike up a conversation with anyone out of sincere interest to hear their story. He will be greatly missed.