In loving memory of

Merle V. Manley
August 28, 1946 - February 15, 2000

MUSCATINE - Merle V. Manley, 53, of 2414 W. Fulliam Ave, died suddenly Tuesday morning, Feb. 15, 2000, at Unity Hospital. A Memorial Service was at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 517 Sycamore St. Rev. Paul Ostrem officiated. A Military Service will be provided by the combined squads of the American Legion and the V.F.W. A luncheon will follow the memorial service at the church. A Memorial Committal Service and burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, at the Soldier's Section in Greenwood Cemetery. Rev. Paul Ostrem of the Zion Lutheran Church will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Merle Manley Memorial Fund. Following his wishes, the body will be cremated following visitation. Merle was born on Aug. 28, 1946, in Muscatine, the son of Elmer A. and Bernice C. Axel Manley. He married Sherry Alter on Jan. 18, 1969, in Muscatine. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, having served in the 11th Armored Calvary Division. He served in the Tet offensive in 1968 and was discharged in August of 1969. He was a life long member of the Zion Lutheran Church; he also belonged to the Muscatine Education Association; the Iowa State Education Association; and the V.F.W. He taught in the Muscatine Community School System since 1973 at Central Middle School. He loved many different sports and actively coached and played football, basketball, baseball, and track for many years. He enjoyed walking and hiking in the mountains. Survivors include his wife, Sherry Manley of Muscatine; a son, Michael Manley of Longmont, Colorado; a daughter, Michelle Manley of Muscatine; a granddaughter, Katie Manley of Muscatine; his mother, Bernice Manley of Muscatine; three brothers, Dave Manley and his wife, Leanne, of Muscatine, Gary Manley and his wife, Sue, of Erie, Colorado, and Richard Manley and his wife, Yenette, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and one sister, Joan Lane and her husband, Richard, of Muscatine. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer in 1994.

Tributes

Katie Manley wrote on Dec 18, 2008:

"He was the best grandpa anyone could ever have. He would take time from his life to help others. you were so great, no one will ever forget you!!!"

katherine manley wrote on Jul 10, 2005:

"I really rember him as being the best grandpa ever. he and my grandma took me every were. he was the best. I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH."

Jason Kemp wrote on Apr 6, 2000:

"I remember Mr. Manley when he was my basketball coach when I was at CMS in the mid 80s. He seemed like a mean guy at first, but he was a fair and friendly to all. I was surprised to see pass on so soon, and it'll seem strange when I'm passing by CMS realizing that his presence in the gym is not there."

shawn m baars wrote on Feb 20, 2000:

"My sympathies go out to the family. May your memories of the happy times spent with your Dad, Husband, Grandfather, Brother & Son help you through the difficult times in the future. Shawn M Baars"

Cindy Gray wrote on Feb 18, 2000:

"My daughter, Stacy Beatty, taught at Central with Mr Manley. She thought alot of him and was very sadden by his sudden death. I went to school with his brother Rich and know Joan & Pudge very well. I feel for all of you, and please know that time (even though you don't realize it) will heal all your sadness. Remember all the good times, it will help. "

Tim & Karen Tousey wrote on Feb 17, 2000:

"With our love and very heartfelt sympathy...We were shocked when we received this very sad news. Hold tight to the fond and wonderful memories that you shared. We are so very sorry....Tim, Karen, Chad, Tim Jr. and Polly"

Adam Wiley wrote on Feb 16, 2000:

"Mr. Manley was a great teacher, coach, and person. He was one of the kindest people I've ever known. He realized there were more important things than winning and always stressed having fun. I will always remember his "fireside chats" he held for my 8th grade basketball team in which he told stories, conveyed wisdom, and gave advice to players."

Mike Maxwell wrote on Feb 16, 2000:

"When we first came to town in 1975, Merle was the first person I met at Central and helped me get started. We shared an office for 14 years, and I have many memories of time spent with him. Our thoughts are with his family."

Barb Mckillip wrote on Feb 16, 2000:

"My sympathies go out to you in this sad time. Please If there is any thing I can do.If at all possible I will try to help. I hope you know that. I will be praying for you that the lord will give you his strength in the coming days just lean on him rest in his arms. Barb"

Barb Mckillip wrote on Feb 16, 2000:

"My sympathies go out to you in this sad time. Please If there is any thing I can do.If at all possible I will try to help. I hope you know that. I will be praying for you that the lord will give you his strength in the coming days just lean on him rest in his arms. Barb"

Gene & Judy Fowler wrote on Feb 16, 2000:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."

Mackenzie Honts wrote on Feb 15, 2000:

"I had Mr. Manley in my gym class. He was a good guy, plus a great gym teacher."

Sarah McCormick wrote on Feb 15, 2000:

"Mr. Manley was among the best teachers I ever had the privelage to meet. He truly cared for his students, and es tried his best to be fair to everyone. I admired him for his wonderful kindness, and I know I am not the only person who has had such thoughts. He will be truly missed. The last memory I have of Mr. Manley was when he was joking with myself and some other students about valentines while we were decorating for our dance. He had a great sense of humor, and he was extremely easy to get along with. I hope that everyone who had the chance to meet him realizes that they have had a great honor in that."

JAKE DAHNKE wrote on Feb 15, 2000:

"MR. MANLEY IS MY FAVORITE TEACHER,AND ALWAYS WILL BE. HE WAS SO GOOD TO ME ... AND ALL STUDENTS. WHEN HE WENT TO A DENVER BRONCOS FOOTBALL GAME HE THOUGHT OF ME AND BROUGHT ME BACK THE TICKET STUB FROM THE GAME AND SOME POM-POM'S. HE IS ALWAYS THINKING OF OTHER PEOPLE.I HOPE THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS,AND I WILL MISS HIM ALOT AS I'M SURE ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE WILL TOO. SINCERELY, JACOB DAHNKE"

Andy & Sue Allison wrote on Feb 15, 2000:

"We will miss you "Coach"! You touched the lives of so many students in such a positive way. We will never forget you. Thank you. May God Be With You. The Allison's "

Michael Toyne wrote on Feb 15, 2000:

"He was my favorite teacher I have ever had!!!"

Sam Paul wrote on Feb 15, 2000:

"Mr. Manley was one of the most sincere and enjoyable teachers I have ever had. He made each day fun and exciting."