Manus Isensee

Manus James Isensee, a cherished husband, brother, uncle, and friend, entered eternal life on Saturday, July 19, in the loving presence of his adoring wife of 27½ wonderful years, Anne-marie Renfrow Isensee.

Born on June 8, 1948, Manus was the second of nine children of Elizabeth "Betty" McGettigan Isensee and Clarence Theodore Isensee. He will be laid to rest beside them.

He is survived by seven siblings: Harry (Verena), Mary Ann Loweth (Bill), Clarence "Ted" (Debbie), Mark (Lynda †), James (Dayna), Elizabeth Allen (Chris), and Joan Koltz (Dave), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.

Manus is also lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Edna Renfrow; brothers-in-law Jeff Renfrow (Rebecca) and Matthew Renfrow (Tiffany); nephews from the Renfrow family; and Anne-marie's 'sisters' Rebecca McGregor Bennett (Carlyle) and Martine Lam (Albert). He was preceded in death by his dear sister Laura Marie, sister-in-law Lynda, nephew Sean Isensee, and infant niece Heather Isensee.

A graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (Class of 1966), Manus attended St. Theresa and St. Cecilia schools before earning a bachelor's degree in political philosophy with highest honors in 1970 from the University of Dallas. There, he formed lifelong friendships and soon after became Associate Dean of Students for the university's inaugural Rome Program. His passion for knowledge led him to graduate studies in political philosophy at the University of Chicago, followed by an MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington.

A scholar and deep thinker, Manus was known for his intellectual breadth - able to reflect deeply on topics ranging from German Romantic philosophy to physics, economics, and the early Church. With an abiding Catholic faith and an ever-curious mind, he engaged the world with clarity, compassion, and sincerity. He was affectionately regarded among friends as the keeper of an endless trove of four-syllable words - and often applied the humorous maxim, "Why use a one-syllable word when a four-syllable one is nearly just as good?"

His faith was not only intellectual but deeply personal, shaping a life of kindness, humility, and moral integrity. One favorite family story tells of Manus praying to St. Anthony after losing a car key at a bullfight in Toledo, Spain - and successfully locating it a half mile away with a traffic policeman.

Manus found joy in God's creation, delighting in nature, wordplay, good conversation, and time spent with his nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends. His friendships were many, with countless bonds lasting more than half a century. For the past 25 years, he found a true calling as a fitness trainer at Memorial Athletic Club in Houston, where he was deeply respected for his expertise, calm guidance, and encouragement. Virtually every time Manus was out and about in west Houston, someone would enthusiastically recognize him as 'Manus from the MAC.'"

His life was a sincere and steadfast pursuit of all that is good, true, and beautiful.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, from 5–8 PM at Bradshaw-Carter Funeral Home, 1734 W. Alabama St., with a wake service and abbreviated rosary at 6:15 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 PM on Saturday, July 26, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam St., preceded by a musical prelude at 1:30 PM. Father Thomas More Barba, O.P., will officiate. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, I-10 West. A reception will be held afterward for family and friends at Lakeside Country Club.