Dale Manthe, age 81, of Heidelberg, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at Kingsway in Belle Plaine, MN. Dale was the second of five children born to Arthur E. and Viola M. (Precht) Manthe on January 22, 1934, in Watertown, MN. He graduated from Pemberton High School in 1951 and entered the US Army, serving in Germany from 1955 – 1962. He married Janet M. Riebe on August 2, 1958, in Watertown, WI at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. The couple would make their homes in Watertown, WI, Belle Plaine, MN, Twin Valley, MN, and finally in Heidelberg, MN. Besides farming, Dale worked as a mechanic, mill-wright, and for 25 years at The Lutheran Home as their maintenance man and groundskeeper. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, singing and worshipping in church, playing the drums with various bands, welding, auto-mechanics, deer hunting, and working in the shop. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and was dedicated to service to the Lord and his church.
Dale is survived by his wife, Janet of New Prague; children Jeffrey (Christine) Manthe of Avon, MN, Julie (Kris) Hunt of New Prague, MN, Lori Manthe (Kurt Hogenson) of Spring Park, MN, Karen (Tom) Hogan of Richfield, MN, Ann (John) Chilson of Hastings, MN, Amy (Scott) Winters of Belle Plaine, MN; grandchildren, Neil, Luke, Molly, Callie, Keenan, Anja, Kelsey, Collin, Jenny, Zach, Logan, Emily, Erin, Jacob; brothers, Ronald (Marion) Manthe of Benton Harbor, MI, Dean (Gloria) Manthe of Antigo, WI; sister-in-law, Rosella Manthe of Mahnomen, MN; brother-in-law, Robert Westphal of Jaynesville, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lyle Manthe; sister, Janice Westphal.
Services will be held Friday, January 22, 2016, at 11:00 AM at Friedens Lutheran Church in Lanesburgh with Reverend Henry Koch officiating. There will be a visitation 2 hours prior to service at church. Burial with military honors will take place at the church cemetery followed by lunch in the church social hall.
