Lester Manke

ARLINGTON - Lester Robert Manke, age 92, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at HospiceCare Inc. Center after a brief illness. He was born on August 20, 1918 on the Manke family farm, the son of Robert and Gladys ( McLeish) Manke. Lester graduated from Poynette High School in 1936 and farmed with his Dad and later his brother. After retiring from farming he worked as a sales representative for Moorman's Feed in the Arlington and Lodi area. On August 14, 1954 he was united in marriage to the former Virginia Breyley McDonald in Chicago, Illinois. Lester was the program chairman for the LAD Optimist Club for many years. He loved history, philosophy, politics and living his life on the Arlington Prairie. Lester is survived by his son, Charles (Cathleen) Manke; daughters, Leslie Manke and Meri Helen Starks; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Donald W. Manke; and a sister, Geraldine Rouse. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Manke; his brother, Robert H. Manke; and dear friend, Dorothy Opacich. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at ST. PETER' LUTHERAN CHURCH in Arlington, with the Rev. Marion Hendrickson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the HAMRE FUNERAL HOME in Lodi.