Robert W. Manka was born in Redding, Kan. on June 23, 1937. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be remembered for his love and kindness.
He took pride in his union and was a 50-year member of Operating Engineers Local No. 3, where he was an honorary life member. He enjoyed operating heavy equipment and he has owned several backhoes in the last 31 years. He loved every minute he was operating one.
Robert was a 21-year resident of Forestville and had owned property in Lake County for the last 17 years. After retiring in 1994, he moved to Lake County in 1997 where he lived until his death on May 19, 2006.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Shar Manka; daughters, Robin (J.R.), Vicky (Keith), Theresa (Hugh); sons, Bobby, Mike, Michael, Daniel (Jolene), Brandon and son-in-law, Mike; sisters, Peggy and Nellie; brother, Richard Manka; 17 grandchildren, Miranda and Jeff Meyer, Brandon, Amanda, Nick, David, Leanna, Kelsey, Frank, Trisha, Scott, Jeffery, Matthew, Alicia, Cole, Amy, Cody and Amber; three great-granddaughters, Autumn, Tiffany and Madalyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ova and Velma Manka; twin brother, Jesse “Bill” Manka and brother, Jim Manka; and daughter, Carla Rae Menasco-Dossman on Jan. 25, 2005.
His family will deeply miss his presence in their lives but will carry his memory close to their hearts forever. He touched many people in his lifetime and was admired by many. He was very dedicated to Orrin Thiessen and family for the last 26 years. He admired the family very much as they were a part of his life.
In loving memory of my beloved husband, Robert W. Manka, we will be holding a celebration in honor of his life on his birthday, June 23. By invitation only. For more information call Sharlene Manka, (707) 279-1390.
Please sign the guestbook at www.record-bee.com, click on obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on Friday, June 9, 2006.)
