Michael Kenneth Manglitz, age 80, of Onalaska passed away peacefully on April 30, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Max and Winifred Manglitz, and his brother, William Manglitz. Survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandra, siblings Katie (Ron) Coon, Mark Manglitz and children Rhonda (Patrick) Nelson, Kent (Stephanie) Manglitz, Paula (Jason) Byers, grandchildren Austin (Kaylin) Manglitz, Kaley (Seth) Hander, Mason Manglitz, Connor Nelson, Marissa Nelson, Derek Byers, Payton Byers, and great granddaughter, Oaklynn Manglitz.

He was born on June 29,1943 and raised in Grand Rapids, MI before moving to Wyoming, MI and graduating from Kellogsville High School. With a fierce competitive spirit, he was an accomplished athlete, playing football, basketball, and track, and earned “Best Male Athlete” in his senior year. His sports enthusiasm extended to his children and grandchildren, coaching many teams, including a high school State champion hockey team in Kent’s freshman year. He could always be found at his grandchildren’s sporting events sitting in the front row or right behind the glass.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 and was stationed in San Antonio, TX where he started his career as a ‘telephone man’. He later moved to Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, AK where he met his beautiful wife. After his discharge, they were married and  began their life together in Park Ridge, IL. His passion for hunting and fishing and his work led them to Onalaska, where he built a life and family. He worked for Century Telephone for 30 years, advancing to Regional Outside Plant Manager and retiring at age 55. Throughout his career he made time to give back, participating in the LaCrosse Rotary for 20 years and delivering Meals on Wheels. He served as Executive Director of Boy Scouts of America Gateway Area Council, Board of Directors of the local United Way, and President of the Onalaska Youth Hockey Association.

Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent his free time in the outdoors, which included many trips to Alaska, Canada, Wyoming and Colorado and an amazing trip to Africa, with his brother, Bill. He organized numerous trips to share his passions with others including countless family members and friends. He volunteered for North American Squirrel Association, piloting pontoon rides for seniors, and the physically challenged, while teaching them to fish. He created “Manglitz Outdoor Adventures” to take people hunting and fishing to share his love of the outdoors. To continue his legacy, he built “Manglitz Wildlife Center” where his numerous trophies can be found.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Onalaska American Legion Post 336. Memorials preferred to the American Legion Post 336 or North American Squirrel Association of Holmen.