Dick Manske passed away on December 30th at Kossuth Regional Health Center after a courageous health battle. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by people who loved him. He was 71 years old. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend who made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church in Algona. Inurnment will take place at River View Cemetery in Algona. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Algona. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Algona. http://www.lentzfuneralhome.com
Richard “Dick” Ralph Manske was born December 4th, 1953, in Blue Earth, MN, to William and Beverly (Oothoudt) Manske. He attended Blue Earth Schools until his family moved to Algona when he was a sophomore in high school. He graduated from Algona High School in 1972.
Dick was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Lallier, on April 26th, 1975. They made their home in Algona where they welcomed their two children, Scott and Angie. Dick worked at Hormel while also working for his dad in the tiling business. In 1976 he bought the family business (Manske Farm Drainage) and worked until he retired in 2019.
Dick enjoyed anything outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and taking the dog on adventures. His escapades took him to many states with many different friends and family members over the years. He always said he was providing food for the family. Linda often joked it was the most expensive food per pound you could find. He was a very skilled hunter and fisherman, and he loved sharing his knowledge with anyone who would listen. Many people benefited from his expertise.
Over the years he enjoyed many other activities including racquetball, trap shooting, basketball league, softball, and traveling. If you participated in any of those activities with him, you know he was good at every endeavor he undertook and was also very competitive. He enjoyed playing cards as well, but if you weren’t on his team, you had to especially watch out. He was a sly one and cheating and trickery were never off the table. And of course, we can’t forget his racing! Dick was a staple at the Algona Raceway for many years, accumulating many wins and an induction into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame.
Dick was also an avid Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and Iowa State fan, but he most enjoyed attending the sporting events of any of his grandsons. They were his pride and joy. If you talked with Dick in the last several years, you probably already know about their accomplishments. He was a very proud grandpa.
In 2010, Dick and Linda bought a place on Leech Lake in Minnesota. He spent many summer and winter months up there and loved when family and friends could join him. That was his happy place. He loved being out on the water, whether fishing, swimming, or entertaining the kids and grandkids with tubing and skiing. He also cherished just sitting on their deck enjoying the sunrise every morning.
One of Dick’s greatest gifts was his love for people. He had an ability to make you feel so loved and special, and he always found ways to make sure you knew how important you were to him. He had many, many friends, and he was always inviting people to come visit with him, even through his last days. He impacted many lives with his kind words and gestures.
Finally, Dick was a man of great faith. His love for the Lord grew throughout his life and especially during his final months. It impacted not just what he said, but how he lived. Especially in the final weeks, when he was suffering greatly, his faith kept him strong and focused on the true purpose of this life. He was so excited to get to meet Jesus, and we take great comfort knowing that he is now entrusted to the loving mercy of God. This world will be a different place without him here, and he will be greatly missed by many, but we look forward to the day when we will see him again.
Dick was survived by his wife Linda of 49 years; his two children, Scott (Jessica) Manske of Algona and Angie (Donnie) Teeter of Albert Lea, MN; his six grandsons, Tyler, Alex, Nathan, & Jack Manske and Drew & Noah Teeter; four siblings, Terry (Kim) Anderson of Windom, MN, Bob (Lynn) Manske of Mankato, MN, Ron (Dana) Manske of LeSueur, MN, and Bill (Deb) Manske of Algona, IA; Linda’s siblings, Diane (Russ) Bruns of Titonka, Marlene Lallier of Humboldt, and Todd (Mindy) Lallier of Baldwin City, KS; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beverly Manske, and his in-laws, Richard and Peggy Lallier.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Dick’s name and directed to the Algona Community School Foundation, P.O. Box 129 Algona, Iowa 50511, to set up a Scholarship in Dick’s honor.
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