Maurice Manz
Maurice E. Manz was born February 6, 1934 to Eli H. and Madge M. (Smith) Manz. He joined his big sister, Ruth. He lived on a farm in the Green Mountain area until he was twelve years-old, then the family moved to the farm Northeast of Albion where he lived until moving to the Iowa Veterans Home in 2019.
He met his “sweety,” Darlene Bratland in high school. After basic training he served in Honor Guard in Hawaii for 13 months, he was honorably discharged. He then came home and they were married at the Little Brown Church on November 22, 1958. They’ve been inseparable since.
Maurice and Darlene raised their children Jana and Barry on their farm. Maurice farmed for many years, trucked and retired from Rosen’s in Marshalltown in 1996. In retirement, he helped Kevin Lynk seasonally. He loved driving the Peterbilt semi and having his CDL until he was 84!
Music was a big part of Maurice’s life, especially in his youth. He sang with four different quartets with some of the same members and always sang tenor. Maurice also enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s events as they were growing up from cattle shows to musicals. He loved helping his grandson – Anthoneih – with piano lessons.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Darlene, daughter, Jana Manz Hamlett (husband, Matt) and son, Barry Manz (wife, Laura Haugen). He is also survived by his grandchildren; Jaclyne(husband, Stacy), Jeanna (husband, Craig), Ezra and Anthoneih. Great-grandchildren: Ryder Spence, Eden Heller and Daphne Spence. Also, numerous special nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is reunited with his parents, mother and father-in-law Valborg and Tjerand “Charles” Bratland; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth (Dale); sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws; Valtina, Thomas, Edward (Margaret), Conrad, Clara (Lyle), Cora (Pete), and Oscar. He also joins his step-mother, Aliene.
We would like to give a special thanks for the wonderful care and extra support from the Iowa Veterans Home employees. A wonderful group.
Per his wishes, no public visitation or funeral is being planned. A private, immediate family graveside service will be held at a later date. However, condolences and special memories of Maurice may be shared with the family and memorials (no flowers, please) in care of the Manz family may be mailed to Mitchell Family Funeral at 1209 Iowa Ave W, Marshalltown, IA 50158.
To see more information visit Mitchell Family Funeral Home Web site.