Patrick Joseph Manning

Born June 2, 1941 in Marquette, Michigan, his departure leaves behind a legacy of warmth, intelligence and friendliness that touched many.

Pat is survived by his sister Mary (Peter) Manning Mitchell, sister Kathy (Wally) Laine Hodges, niece Stephanie (Nate) Laine Weston, nephews Christopher Laine and Michael Hodges, sister-in-law and dear friend Carol (Michael) Griewe Manning, and numerous cousins as well as members of Griewe and Mitchell families.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents Patrick S. Manning and Mary Prosen Manning, sister Anne Manning, brother Michael A. Manning, brother-in-law Dennis Laine, along with many cousins of the Manning/Prosen descendants.

As a youngster Pat was a motivated worker. At age seven he was washing windows at Gillies Gift Shop, Grants, Donckers and Harringtons Habedashery, etc. A few years later he started caddying at the Marquette Golf and Country Club which nourished a love of the sport. Another favorite pastime was playing hockey, and he became a devoted fan of the NMU Wildcats, often traveling to support the team.

Each winter Pat often could be found on the ski hill. At age 12 a friend dared him to jump Suicide Hill. Not a good idea; he was in a cast for several months mending a broken leg. This resulted in serious difficulty keeping up with his paper routes!

In later years, while attending NMU, he worked alongside his younger brother Mike at Stern & Field men’s clothing store. While they didn’t resemble each other they had definite personality characteristics often confusing customers.

Pat’s enthusiasm for life always included a menu of projects from traveling to buying and remodeling buildings to logging a parcel of forestland; or fishing, hunting and reading. He rarely turned down an opportunity to venture into something new.

Along the way Pat earned both BS and MA degrees from Northern Michigan University (1963,1967) and an Ed.D. degree from Western Michigan University (1992). He also held several certifications in education and was a lifelong learner. Pat’s love of education led him to jobs in MI, AZ, IN, and IL. He enjoyed assisting schools with grant writing and curriculum development as well as teaching. But Pat’s most rewarding opportunity was teaching severely challenged teens with physical disabilities. He was so enthusiastic and motivated when they mastered a personal task. He was a mighty cheerleader for their accomplishments and tearily glowed at their successes. In later years he mentored many young adults. Pat was very proud of all his mentorees.

Pat will be missed by his friend of 80 years, Paul Dooley; his yearly, June 2nd golf outing buddy, Tom Fleury; his high school classmates (1959); Sylvia Carter, Rod and Julie Calder-Potts of Kilkenny, Ireland, and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A very special thank you to Missy and Pat Aho and family for their friendship and support, to the wonderful staff at Mill Creek Assisted Living for their care, and to Carol Manning for her tender-loving caregiving to our brother Pat.

The family will receive relatives and friends in the Bishop’s Room at St. Peter Cathedral on Thursday, May 14, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 11:00 am with Rev. Ryan Ford, celebrant. A reception will follow in Cathedral Hall. A private family burial service will be conducted at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Catholic Campus Ministry at NMU, 1200 Hebard Court., Marquette, MI 49855; to Bay Cliff Health Camp, Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808; or to a charity of your choice.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com