Thomas James Manning

Thomas J. Manning, 50, De Pere, died suddenly of natural causes on Sunday, March 1, 2015. Tom was born on December 29, 1964 to Milfred (Bud) and Margaret (Peg Cantwell) Manning. He graduated from De Pere High School in 1983 and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at UW-Milwaukee in 1988. Tom began his career at MEGTEC Systems, De Pere, in 1988 and continued to work there for almost 27 years. Tom married Maureen (Wolfe) Manning in 1994. They were blessed with 4 children and 20 wonderful years together. Tom was a devoted father and husband. He coached numerous soccer and t-ball teams as his kids grew up. Tom’s passion though was Scouting. Starting his journey as a child, Tom grew up to lead three Cub Scout Dens, served as Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 1043 and helped start a Venture Crew in De Pere. Tom’s gift of organization, sense of humor and love of nature were an ideal fit for any scouting adventure. Whether hiking in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, canoeing on the Boundary Waters or camping at Bear Paw, Tom provided leadership and made sure everyone had fun. Tom lived the Boy Scout Law and was a mentor and friend to all he encountered. Tom was proud to be a member of the Order of the Arrow and to have received the District Award of Merit from the Voyageur Bay-Lakes Council. Tom’s legacy will live on through the many lives he has empowered through Scouting. Tom is survived by his wife Maureen, his four children: Benjamin, Nicholas, Elise and Isaac; his parents, Bud and Peg Manning of De Pere; his sisters, Maureen (Larry) Kroening of Green Bay, Joan (Mark) Halstead of De Pere, Karen (Scott) Cieslewicz of De Pere; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Marie Wolfe of Marinette; brothers-in-law, David (Michelle) Wolfe of WI Rapids, Patrick Wolfe of Marinette, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 at First United Church of Christ, 509 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay, from 2pm until 5:15pm. Funeral services will be held at 5:30pm at the church with Rev. Robert Laubenstein officiating. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements (920)336-8702. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to assist with the education of Tom’s children.