Mary M. Manke

Mary Maxine Manke, 88, West Fargo, ND, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead, MN.

Mary Maxine Grzybowski was born July 12, 1922, in Mecosta, MI, where she grew up and attended school. She moved to Grand Rapids, MI, after high school, and worked in a furniture factory, which was converted to make airplanes for World War II. She liked working on aircraft more than furniture.

On July 17, 1944, she married Florain Manke in Moorhead. The couple moved to Cogswell, ND, and farmed for a few years. In 1946, Florain and Mary returned to the Hannaford, ND, area, where they purchased a farm of their own.

In 1966, the family moved to Kindred, ND, where they lived for several years. Mary worked outside of the home on and off, but mostly she was at home with her family. She was always there to help her family in any way she could. He favorite pastime, besides spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was playing cards. At Christmas, we, as a family, would always look forward to see what dishtowels she had sewn for us.
In 1976, Florain and Mary moved to Horace, ND, where they lived for 20 years. They later moved to West Fargo. Florain passed away in 1999. Mary resided in West Fargo, until she moved to Sheyenne Crossings. She later moved to Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead, as her health declined.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Curtis) Meyer-Jensen, West Fargo, Korinne (David) Manke-Paulseth, Rugby, ND, and Merrie McGrath, Branson, MO; grandchildren, Heather Otto, Meredith (Jamie) Workman, and Megan McGrath; and great-grandchildren, Tanner and Haley Otto, and Brooke and Dylan Workman. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Florain, and eleven brothers and sisters.
The family thanks Dr. Lenzmeier, Dr. Levitt, Dr. Hella, and their staffs. We thank the staff of Sheyenne Crossings and of Eventide Lutheran Home.
A private service for Mary was held on Tuesday. Mary was buried in Hannaford Cemetery, Hannaford.