Manning, Gerald "Jerry or Pappy" 1927-2013

MANNING, SHEEHAN, HARTOGH

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/7/2013 at 20:13:54

Gerald Jerry (Pappy) Manning, 85, of Le Mars, died Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars in Le Mars.

Jerry was born June 28, 1927, on a farm east of Kingsley, to Raymond and Hazel (Sheehan) Manning. His family moved into Kingsley when he was 5 where he attended first and second grade. When he was 8, the family moved to Le Mars and he completed his education at Le Mars Public School. He earned his nickname "Pappy" in grade school from a 1930s cartoon character.

In May of 1944, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines attending the Merchant Marine School on Catalina Island, Calif. After training in the engine department for merchant ships, he was assigned to a deep sea tug for a brief time and then to an oil tanker bringing oil from Abadan, Iran to Australia and the Pacific war zone. He returned to the United States in October 1945 after World War II ended.

Between 1944 and 1955 he continued his enlistment as a Merchant Marine. During that time he also worked for Bethleham Ship Yard in San Pedro, Calif., and Iowa Public Service Company in Le Mars. He enlisted in the Army in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1950, spending most of that time in Guam. While in the Merchant Marines, he visited 31 countries and sailed on 21 different ships, cargo tankers, and one passenger ship.

Jerry returned to Le Mars in 1955 and began his long career with Iowa Public Service Company (later MidAmerica Energy). Starting his career as a ditch digger, he retired in 1989 after 31 years as crew's supervisor.

On June 9, 1956, he married Janet Hartogh in Elma, Iowa. Summers were spent taking their six children camping and teaching them to fish.

He was a strong family man and taught his children the value of hard work and honesty. Jerry was a Cub Scout Leader for his sons and contributed to the community as a member of the Lions and the Eagles.

Pappy found great joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, and watching sports -- particularly his beloved Chicago Cubs, along with University of Iowa and Iowa State University sports.

Pappy volunteered at St. James Catholic Church, counting the collection every Monday morning for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Amvets Post 12 Lincoln, Neb., American Legion Wasmer Post 241, the World War II Last Man's Club of Le Mars, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, Iowa and Nebraska Chapter. He was also a member of Restored World War II S.S. Lane Victory docked at San Pedro, Calif.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 57 years, Janet (Hartogh) Manning, of Le Mars; his son, Mike and wife Jan of Carlsbad, Calif.; son, David and wife Michlen, of Louisville, Ky., and their children Jared and Kinsey; son, Joe and wife Debbie, of Iowa City, and their children Owen and Chloe; daughter, Patrice Kistner and husband Kelly, of McCook Lake, S.D., and her children Zac (Jamie), Clint (Rebekah) and Geri Lynn with their father, Marc Traver; daughter, Linda Taylor-Manning and husband Terence Smith, of Seattle, Wash., and her children Colman, Haley, and Olivia with their father Rob; daughter, Sue Renfro and husband Kelly, of Sioux City; two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews; dedicated cousin and friend, Dale and Theresa Manning.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Eileen Manning Cope in 1949 and Evelyn Manning in 2003, and brother John (Jack) Manning in 2008.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. The Rev. Paul Eisele will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present from 5-8 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus rosary service at 6 p.m. and a scriptural prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at church prior to Mass on Monday.

Le Mars Daily Sentinel
March 29, 2013
Le Mars, Iowa