"I really miss mike why did this happen to him out of all the people in the world with perfect little lives. It makes us all sad that he is gone and it makes me feel mean that when he tried joking around or talking to me most of the time i ignored it and i still cry almost once every week about it because i cant stop thinking about him. but all i can really do is wait until the day i die so i can see him and tell him how sorry i am and how selfish i was whenever he tried being nice i just hope he doesnt forget about me since im probably the last person on his mind"
In loving memory of
Mike Manning
February 2, 1972 - October 26, 2007
Mike Robert Manning was born February 2, 1972, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Frank Manning and Cathy (Harris) Thu. Mike spent some of his childhood in Washington and Sigourney, Iowa before moving to Graettinger in 1984. He was a 1991 graduate of Graettinger High School. Following his education, Mike worked for V.W. Dock's and DeBerg Construction in Spirit Lake. He worked for Rosenboom Machine and Tool in Spirit Lake until the time of his illness.
Mike enjoyed racing, hunting, snowmobiling and golfing. He spent many hours building and working on his son Tyler's race car. Some of Mike's fondest memories were spent in Bruce's shop and racing on weekends.
On Friday, October 26, 2007, Mike Manning passed away at Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville after a courageous battle with cancer.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Stephanie of Emmetsburg, Tyler of Graettinger and Kiania of Estherville; parents, Cathy and Greg Thu of New London, Iowa and Frank Manning of Washington, Iowa; two sisters, DeLanna Reyes of California and Caiti Manning of Washington, Iowa; two brothers: Frank Manning, Jr. (Darci) of New Richmond, Wisconsin and Shane Manning (Joni) of New London, Iowa; two grandmothers: Cathryn Harris of Washington, Iowa and Elaine Thu of Webb; and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents: Arthur Harris, Robert and Erma Manning, and Allen Thu.
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers have been with all of you over the past couple of years as Mike battled the cancer with everything he had. He was always so upbeat and courageous - not that that surprised anyone who knows him. My husband, Mike, and I were talking the other night about all the fun times we've had with Mike. You just can't help but think about Mike and not get a smile on your face. I hope that time and all the great memories you have with Mike will heal your hearts in time."
"I am a friend of Joni and Shane's. I am so sorry to hear about Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I hope that you can find comfort in each other. My he be in God's arms and at true peace finally."
"Our hearts and prayers are with you all."
"Cathy and Family, I was so sorry to hear the news yesterday. Mike was such a dear person and I just keep thinking of Tyler. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and if there is anything I can do please don't hesitate to let me know. I will really miss Mike and talking with him. He was always so positive and caring and I will never forget the nice and caring things he did with Justin after we moved back here. His absence will leave a hole that cannot be replaced. Take comfort in the fact that he was such a good and caring individual."
"My heart is with you all. Mike was a pretty special kid. Love and prayers "
"Kathy and Family; Our hearts ache right along with yours. Mike will always have a very special place in Jerry's and my heart. You never saw Mike when he wasn't laughing or smiling. I never met a person with a better disposition in my life. Mike will never be forgotten. He will live on in our hearts and in our memories forever. May God Bless you all."