Gerald "Jerry" Manke

Gerald “Jerry” Ralph Manke, 82, of De Pere passed away Saturday, December 24, 2022. He was born July 5, 1940, in Milwaukee, to the late Ralph and Anne (Budecki) Manke. He graduated from St. Pius XI High School in 1958 and later went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

On May 1, 1965, Jerry married the love of his life, Ann Leipzig, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Wauwatosa. Together they shared 57 years of devotion and adoration. This union blessed them with a daughter, Michelle.

For many years, Jerry could be found managing Quality Candy stores in Milwaukee, where he was able to brighten the days of so many others with his charm and confections. He later went on to volunteer his time, and love of learning, at the Appleton Library and the Milwaukee Zoological Society.

Jerry enjoyed traveling almost as much as he liked to read a good book. He had a panache for cooking excellent meals served with love. He will be remembered for his fondness of dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; his daughter, Michelle (Paul Olejniczak) Manke; and other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mary Teofilo, for being such a great neighbor, to Georgiann and Tom, of Ocala, Florida, for their loving support, and to the staff at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center for their compassionate care.