William Ervin “Bill” Mankee

Bill was born on April 10, 1968, in Marquette, MI, to William Edward and Paulette Patricia (Smith) Mankee. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1986 and went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Navy from 1986 to 1990. Following his military service, Bill attended Northern Michigan University, earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology.

In 1993, Bill married the love of his life, Claudia Bassi, in Marquette.

Bill dedicated his career to helping youth as a juvenile probation officer for Marquette County, a role he carried out with compassion and commitment until his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill found joy in nature. He loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and bird watching. He also expressed his creativity through oil painting and photography. He enjoyed the camaraderie of playing in local pool leagues. A true animal lover, Bill cherished his chickens and shared a special bond with dogs throughout his life.

Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and never turned down an opportunity for a new adventure.

He was a proud member of the local VFW and the American Legion Post 114 of Greenwood, MI. Bill was also active in various sportsman’s clubs and took pride in supporting Wertz Warriors and their mission to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics of Michigan.

Bill is survived by his wife, Claudia Mankee; his children, Marina Mankee and Michael Mankee; his siblings, Brian (Suzanne) Mankee, Mary (Alex) Koshorek, and Ed Mankee; his parents-in-law, Bruno Bassi and Julia Rosas; brother-in-law, Alberto Bassi; sister-in-law, Marina (Alvaro Vizcardo) Bassi; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Paulette Mankee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, with Rev. Dustin Larson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, after which a luncheon will be held in the parish hall at St. Michael Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to Wertz Warriors, P.O. Box 1132, Mt. Clemens, MI 48046.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Bill’s family. Memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com