Obituary
Robert “Bob” J. Manka
Robert “Bob” John Manka, 63, of Holmen, Wisconsin (formally of Independence) passed away peacefully after an 8-month courageous battle with lung cancer Saturday, May 12, 2018, at his home with his family by his side.
Bob was born April 24, 1955, in Independence, WI to Lonnie and Elnor (Korpal) Manka. He graduated from Independence High School in 1973. On June 2, 2007, he married the former Kathy Schank Waldera in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Bob was employed by Gunderson Lutheran Hospital until time of diagnosis with lung cancer and was irreplaceable to his department. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed trapping, fishing, hunting, woodworking and working on projects with his wife. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren who fondly called him Papa Bob. He will be greatly missed but never far from our hearts.
Bob is survived by his wife Kathy; daughter Shelley Manka of Clarksville Tennessee, son Jason (LaYona) Manka of Pleasantville Wisconsin, daughter Jena (Andrew) Pratt of Boise Idaho; Sisters Jane Sosalla of Whitehall Wisconsin, sister Joyce Klimek of Independence Wisconsin and sister Jean (Bob) Slaby of Arcadiak Wisconsin; Children in marriage Erica (Paul) Diehn and Philip (Vanessa) Waldera; Grandchildren Gavin, Drew, Rani, Mayzie, Noah, Tili, Rayden and Hattie; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Elnor Manka, brother Wayne Manka, brother in laws Vince Klimek and Edward Sosalla, and friends Doug Werner and Jim Miller.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, May 16, at First Free Church 123 Mason St. Onalaska, WI.
What can we say about Bob-He was such a wonderful man and friend. My husband remembers all the good times he and Bob had fishing and trapping…We had a lot of good times with Bob and Kathy…..We will never forget him! God Bless all the family he leaves behind….