Judith "Judy" Ann Manske

Judith “Judy” Ann Manske, 89, of La Crosse, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, Valentine’s Day, surrounded by her loving family at Brookdale Sterling House Assisted Living in La Crosse.

Judy was born on July 10, 1934 to Frank and Agnes (Kvam) Rhomberg of La Crosse. Judy grew up on the north side of La Crosse and proudly attended Jefferson and Logan schools, class of 1952. After high school she did bookkeeping at a local clothing store. On Valentine’s Day in 1955 she was engaged to Gerald “Jerry” Manske, and they were wed on October 8, 1955 at Mt. Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Her husband of 68 years, Gerald, passed six weeks prior to Judy; the family thanks St. Croix Hospice for its tender care of both Judy and Gerald, and Dr. Lori Devine.

Judy and Jerry raised three children in La Crosse, and she was a loving, patient, wonderful mom. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also provided care for many of her nephews and nieces before they reached school age. She loved children, had the biggest heart for them, and her liveliness drew young people to her throughout her life. She was a gracious hostess and a good friend to many special ladies.

Judy loved to travel, with many vacations to Door County, WI, San Fransisco, Hawaii, Virginia, and Las Vegas, and twice to Norway to visit relatives of her maternal grandparents who were immigrants.

Judith is survived by her sons Steve (Su) Manske and Tom Manske, and daughter Peggy (Rick) Kriebel, three grandchildren, Bridget Manske, Dave (Rachel) Kriebel, and Leah (Henry) Cantleberry, two great-grandsons, Otis and Egon Kriebel, and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Cantleberry, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald, parents, sisters, Catherine (Joe) Ortiz, Doris (Larry) Vollmer, Edith (Dick) Rifenberg, Patricia (Duane) Marx, Sylvia Rhomberg, and Jacqueline “Jackie” Bruha, and brothers, Francis “Dude” Rhomberg, Loren “Tom” (Sherry) Rhomberg, and Gary Rhomberg.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 West Avenue So., La Crosse. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral. Pastor Richard Pamperin will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse.