Robert Manzke

Robert “Bob” Manzke, age 76, of Seymour, died Wednesday, January 8, 2020, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. The son of Elmer “Shorty” and Charlotte (Hollstein) Manzke of Mokena, IL. On December 1, 1973, he married Susan Paska at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Frankfort, IL. Together they raised four children, moving to Seymour in 1978.

Bob is the very definition of the selfless provider. The ever-optimistic farmer and father of four who worked two full-time jobs to provide for his family. Equal parts MacGyver and Dr. Frankenstein, Bob's ingenuity and mechanical creativity consistently gave new life to “antique” equipment and allowed the family farm to continue in the face of environmental and economic challenges. Calm, reflective, and ever-patient, Bob was the rock of his family and the constant example of passion, drive, and fortitude. Bob taught his family that optimism and a positive attitude will beat any challenge.

Survivors include his wife, Susan; children: Robert (Tara) Manzke, Jr., Plover; Rebecca (Andrew) Kamenick, Menasha; Russell (Cynthia) Manzke, Middleton; Rachel (David) Giblin, Sun Prairie; grandchildren: Ethan Manzke, Seth Manzke, Caleb Bonilla, Aryana Bonilla, Matthew Everard, Elijah Giblin, Arianna Giblin, Wyatt Giblin, Harrison Manzke; great-grandchildren: Serenity Grutza, Charles Schweigl; and his sister: Virginia Manzke, Seymour.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Elmer “Shorty” and Charlotte (Hollstein) Manzke.

Friends are invited to celebrate Bob’s life on Saturday, January 25 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. with remarks and memories at 3:00 p.m. at Cicero Town Hall, N9195 County Road X, Black Creek, WI 54106.

Online condolences can be expressed to Bob’s family at www.muehlboettcher.com

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family appreciates memorial contributions to the “American Cancer Society” or Unity Hospice.

A special thank you to Green Bay Oncology, St Mary Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, Unity Hospice, and all the doctors and nurses on their teams. We also like to thank the Black Creek Rescue squad.