Obituary
Jill Kay Mannel
Jill Kay Mannel, 70, of Galesville passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, in her home.
She was born January 31, 1956, in Rochester, MN to Keith and Janet (Erlandson) Mannel. Jill spent most of her childhood living on the Northside of La Crosse with her parents and siblings and attending school there.
Jill worked at various jobs throughout the years, but her favorite by far was working as a hairdresser, where she could practice her gift of gab.
Over the years, Jill made many lasting friendships that she treasured, from those who have been dear to her heart since she was young to those wonderful friends who have come into her life in recent years. She cared deeply about them all.
Jill experienced many joys during her later years. Jill recently found her passion when helping others as a personal care attendant. She thoroughly enjoyed her many adventures with her cousin Kevin and his wife Shirl, including kayaking the Red Cedar River and boating. Jill always looked forward to the annual family lefse making event with her mom (until her passing), and now included her daughter, son, granddaughter, and great-granddaughters. She also enjoyed crafting and the kids all have samples of her handiwork. She loved lunches with her sister, Kathy, and her favorite pastime was bragging about her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. Jill was a lifelong Christian who always searched for Jesus and often found His love shining brightest through her family.
Jill will be dearly missed by her children and their families, daughter Amy (Tony) Pickering, granddaughter Brianna (Caleb) Thatcher and their children; Addie, Josie, Eli and Nico, grandson Corey (Berkley) Cantu and their children; Layla and Jaxtyn, grandsons Bryce Pickering and Cale Pickering; son Mark Loeffler and grandson Branson; her sister Kathy (Robert) Hanratty; niece Beth (Jeremy Dregne) Hanratty, great-niece Lainey (Aidan) Manske and great-great niece Kat, great-nephew Logan Manske; and nephew Patrick Hanratty and great nephew Kreyden; her cousin Kevin (Shirl) Mannel with whom she was very close and many other dear cousins and relatives and friends.
Jill was preceded in death by her parents Keith and Janet Mannel; brother, Jeffrey and nephew Matt; her grandparents; Erwin and Viola (Drier) Mannel and Oscar and Myrtle (Paulson) Erlandson.
The family would like to thank Tim Pickering for his care and assistance.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 17th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska. A light lunch will be provided. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
So sorry to hear of Jill’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
To Amy,Tony and all that loved Jill, may you find peace in the memories you hold in your hearts and stories you tell. Sending our condolences.
Todd, Pam, Ben and Becky Strittmater
I am so very sorry to hear this. I am so sorry for your loss. Jill and I worked together at DuraTech. She was a fantastic Customer Service Rep and an even better person. I really enjoyed working with her….I often commented she knew more about our customers needs than they did! Just a joy to work with. What a loss….
Jill was a friend since Jr highschool. she always had a smile for her friends and was kind and graceful. I didn’t get to see her much as adults but I always smile when I think of my friend Jill. RIP young lady.
Jill was a ray of sunshine. I sat with her foe alot of our 50th class reunion and heard the love ahe had for her family. She will be missed.
Blessings to Jill’s extended family. Though I only saw Jill once in our older adult lives, I have remembrances of our elementary school times and family gatherings. I’m a distant second cousin from Sparta — Mary (Lueck) Trosper
Much love and support to you all during this time of grief. Thank you for sharing Jill with us. It was such a joy spending time with Jill through adventures with Kevin and Shirl. We pet all the dogs at the humane association 5k fundraiser, shared wine cheers and great conversation at Bemis Bluff Winery and captured special family moments at Shirl’s retirement party. May heaven be a bit brighter now with Jill’s shining light.