Delores Jeanne Manke

Delores Manke, lifelong resident of Lyon County, Minnesota, was taken home by her Savior on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 100. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a luncheon at the church, interment will be in the Tracy City Cemetery. Visitation will be held just before her celebration, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, also at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall.

Delores Jeanne Nelson grew up on her family farm just north of Tracy, Minnesota, and attended country school before graduating from Tracy Public Schools in 1944. She then attended and graduated from Mankato State Teachers College. Delores developed her passion for teaching in elementary education in the Pipestone and Tracy schools.

In 1946, Delores married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Bob, after he returned from serving in Europe during World War II. The couple settled in Marshall, Minnesota, and raised four children: Merrilee, Robert, Richard, and David. Delores' strong commitment to faith and family will be her greatest legacy. Whether it was the annual lake family gathering or a Christmas celebration, she always ensured Jesus was present.

In 1960, Delores returned to teaching Kindergarten at East Side Grade School in Marshall. Over the next 26 years she mentored hundreds of Marshall Kindergartners and introduced them to the joy of learning.

Delores was very active in both her church and civic life. She shared her positive attitude and goodwill with others as a member of the Good Thoughts Study Club and numerous church women's groups. Delores' creative spirit was always on display as she volunteered at the Marshall Hospital, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, and within the Boulder Estates community. Using her trademark homemade cards, Delores would never forget a Birthday greeting, get-well wish, congratulations, or note of encouragement for her grandchildren, friends, and fellow church members. A lifelong "cheerleader," Delores showed her loyal and supportive nature as a cheerleader for the Tracy "Scrappers" and the Marshall "Tigers," or whatever team her grandchildren participated with. Along with husband Bob, she was a constant presence in the stands, always offering positive support.

Delores' legacy lives on in her surviving family members - daughter, Merrilee (and John) Eberhart of Pine City; sons, Robert (and Ginny) Manke of Sioux Falls, SD, Richard (and Shan) Manke of Detroit Lakes, David (and JoAnn) Manke of Eagan; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca Boland, Angela Eberhart, Carolyn Sell, Will Manke, David Manke, Erik Manke, Ryan Manke, Reed Manke, Rory Manke and Melissa Fimbres; 31 great-grandchildren, Brianna, Bryce, Brendan, Brooke, Parker, Ella, Addison, Jacob, Noah, Avery, Abagail, Charlie, Easton, Dawson, Emma, Adam, Leah, Jude, Eleanor, Walter, George, Jack, Elizabeth, Catherine, Daniel, John, Leighton, Rueben, Lennon, Mia, Madison; sister, Joan "Jody" Olson and brother, Phillip Nelson.

She will rejoin her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Manke; parents, Doris & Will Nelson; sisters, Clarice (and Howard) Rose, Nancy (and John) Starr; sister-in-law, Patricia Nelson; and brother-in-law, Robert Olson.