Harry Manning, age 90, of Beaver Dam, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam.
Visitation for Harry will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at church beginning at 12:00 p.m. with Fr. Will Arnold officiating. Burial will be at Holy Assumption Cemetery in the Town of Clyman on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Harry was born on February 5, 1935, in Watertown, Wisconsin to the late Harry P. and Ermine (David) Manning. After graduating from Hustisford High School, he farmed and raised a family on a 40 acres farm near Hustisford until 1972. Harry worked at John Deere Horicon Works for 30 years, retiring in 1992. On February 10, 2018, he was united in marriage with Jan Gove. Harry was a long-time member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam where he served as an usher for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Saint Pope John XXIII Council #1837 Knights of Columbus in Beaver Dam and a Fourth-Degree member of Assembly #1206. Harry was a member of the Holy Name Society at Holy Hill. He was a volunteer crossing guard for 12 years. He loved meeting with friends at McDonalds for coffee and social time; in fact, that’s how he met Jan. Harry and Jan were a dynamic dance couple. They danced many an afternoon away at Polka venues. And they loved Polka Mass. Harry celebrated his 90th Birthday at the VFW with a polka band, many friends and family.
Harry and Jan enjoyed playing cards and Sheepshead with family and friends. Harry loved life, and being out in nature. In his younger years, Harry was a good hunter and loved to fish. He appreciated the pheasant and wildlife at Horicon Marsh. Harry kept the songbirds, Mallards, rabbits and squirrels well fed in his backyard. He and Jan lit up at the sight of a red cardinal. Harry and Jan loved their dog Little Leah. And when she passed, puppy Louie joined the family. Harry, Jan and Louie shared many picnic lunches at Waterworks Park, enjoying their meal looking out over Beaver Dam Lake.
Harry is survived by his wife, Jan Manning of Beaver Dam; his daughters, Karen Shananaquet of Beaver Dam, Kristine (Steve) Vaughn of Stoughton, Diane (Jay) Exline of NM; his son Patrick (Alicia) Manning of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Lindsay (Josiah) Sherron, Veronica (Joel) Sherron, and Declan and Louis Manning; great grandchildren, Samuel, Ephraim, Linus, and Rory Sherron, and Leon and Vincent Sherron; his brothers-in-law, Jim Swierzynski and John Liechty (Jane Blasing); his sister-in-law, Maggie Manning; Jan’s siblings, Carolyn Flagner, Patricia Huizenga, George (Joanne) Gove, and Vern Gove (Jan); his dog Louie; and many other relatives and friends.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Catherine (nee Claas) Manning; his previous wife, Erna Stibb Manning; his sisters, Ruth Manning, Marjorie Gahlman, and Marilyn Lein, and his twin sisters, Jean Swierzynski, and Joan Liechty; his twin brother, Henry Manning and brother, David Manning; son-in-law Samuel Shananaquet; great grandson Sullivan Sherron; and 10 of Jan’s siblings.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com.
