Mary Manis, 98, of Manitowoc passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at her daughter’s home.
Mary was born on May 24, 1927 in Sheboygan, daughter of the late Arthur W. and Sophia M. (Schultz) Wiemann. Mary received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Lakeland College and the University of Colorado. After graduating college, Mary taught high school Biology and Chemistry in Oostburg for four years. She then went on to be a Girl Scout Executive in Sheboygan, where she met her husband, Bill, and lived for eight years. From there, they moved to Rapids City, S.D., where they lived for three years. They then moved to Des Moines, IA, where they spent five years. During that time, Mary taught at various pre-schools. They moved to Manitowoc in 1971 which is when Mary started the pre-school program at the YMCA. On July 25, 1959, she married William P. Manis in Sheboygan. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2007.
Mary was a board member and past chairman of the Endowment Committee at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center and also their Philanthropy Committee at Holy Family, formally known as the Samaritan Endowment Committee. Mary was also a member of the Jr. Service League, Service Club, American Red Cross, Cancer Society and the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Sheboygan and Manitowoc, where she also served as president in Manitowoc. Mary also served on the following boards: Memorial Hospital, United Way, YMCA, Junior Service League of Manitowoc, now known as Service League of Manitowoc County, where she also served as a president and vice-president.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law: William “Bill” Philipp Manis II and his wife Diane, Manitowoc; daughter: Kathryn “Kelly” Manis, Manitowoc; four grandchildren: Alexander Manis, Nicklas Manis, Ryan (Megan) Manis, and Steven (Monique) Manis; four great-grandchildren: Addison, Beau, Oaklyn, and Lennon; one sister-in-law: Nanci Sorenson, Huntley, IL; one brother-in-law: Charles Streeter, Fond Du Lac; special cousins: Jim Schmitt, North Carolina, and Mary Schmitt, Woodland, CA; godson: Mark Mitchell. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mary was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law: Mary Ellen Streeter, brother-in-law: Jack Sorenson, and special cousins: Jane Schmitt, and Alton Schmitt.
Cremation has occurred at the All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4:30pm at Hope Community Church, 4408 County Road B., Manitowoc, with Kirk Pingel officiating. A life celebration will follow at the church on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the church from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Donations can be made to the YMCA Endowment Fund or the Love Light Tree at Froedtert Holy Family Hospital in Mary’s memory.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mark Herring, and the staff of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, especially Shayna, Autumn, and Kristin, and Chaplain Paul Gleichner, and the staff of Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes for all the care, compassion, and support given to Mary and her family.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
