William Edwin Mahnke II

William "Bill" Edwin Mahnke II, 68, of Farmington was released from this life at his beloved home October 1, 2023. Bill was born November 26, 1954 on a USAF Base in England to Major William E. and Viola Mahnke. While Bill spent some childhood years abroad with his fathers military service, once the Mahnke family found Farmington, they called that home for the rest of their years.
Bill graduated from Farmington High School in 1972. He quickly used his keen eye for numbers, and a distaste for crowded areas, to find his calling as a surveyor. He spent his 40-year career in oil and natural gas surveying, and eventually started his own company: Energy Surveyors, Inc. When he was not plotting the land, Bill was most often found at the shooting range. He had a lifelong passion for firearms and firearm safety. He gained many good friends over casting bullets, oiling barrels, and melting lead for championship matches. Countless hours were spent in his office, either working or playing, while listening to "good" country music and classic artists like Jim Croce and John Denver. Some may call him the strong silent type, but Bill was never afraid to tell you exactly how he felt about something. His quiet gentleness towards his family, dogs, and friends was evident under a rough exterior. He took solace living a simple life, and most enjoyed spending time at home. He always appreciated the small things; a properly cooked steak, a card on his birthday, seeing pictures of loved ones, and a big smile upon greeting. His ornery jokes, truthful and stubborn nature, and kind heart will be missed by all who knew him.
William was preceded in death by his parents, William Edwin and Viola Mahnke; sister, Vicki Ann Mahnke; and wife, Linda Sue Mahnke. He is survived by his daughter, Victoria (Graham) Mahnke Smith; grandson Otto Harwin Smith; stepdaughters Jeannine Cruzen, Kim (Jerry) Reece, Angela (Brandon) Lane, Mikki Cruzen; 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Service to be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Brewer Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William, please visit our Tree Store.