Robert J. Manske

PORTAGE – Robert J. Manske, age 60, of Portage, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

Bob was born on October 2, 1961, in Berlin, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Linda (Garceau) Manske. He was married to Karen Beatty on April 27, 1985.  Bob served our country for 27 years in the U.S. Air Force as Aircraft Crew Chief, then the Flight Line Supervisor and finally as Senior Chief of Maintenance.  He was also a member of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association – Wisconsin (CVMA Wisconsin), Knights of Columbus, and a hunter safety instructor.  Bob was an avid outdoorsman, loved to hunt, and just be outdoors.  He enjoyed “tinkering” in the garage and traveling, especially on the motorcycle.

He is survived by his parents; children, Nicki (Nick) Kovalaske, Baraboo and Brent Manske, Portage; grandson, Emerson Kovalaske; sister, Theresa Manske, Poy Sippi; brother, Tim (Amy) Manske, Almond; and other relatives and close friends.  He was preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Julia Beatty.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery with military honors provided by Area Veterans.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church on Wednesday.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CVMA Wisconsin Chapter 45-1 in care of the family.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.