David Kenneth Manning, Jr., known to family and friends as Ken, passed away from an apparent heart attack at his home in La Crosse, Wis., on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
Born on June 2, 1956, in Fort Mammoth, New Jersey, to David Kenneth, Sr. and Alma Manning, Ken proudly bore his father’s name and embraced the privilege of living up to it. Ken brought his dad’s work ethic and his mom’s spirited tenacity to every task he encountered. As the eldest of four boys, Ken took on the roles of leader and teacher at an early age, and he continued on that path for his entire life, both professionally and personally.
After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1974, where he enjoyed success as a three-sport athlete and took on officer roles in various clubs, Ken knew education was the career for him. He earned an associate’s degree from UWC-Richland, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from UW-Platteville, a master’s in school counseling from UW-Platteville, and a second master’s degree in educational administration from Winona State University.
Ken began his teaching career as a vocational agriculture instructor at Lancaster High School in the fall of 1979. He also took on the duties of assistant wrestling coach, which was the start of a coaching career that led to accolades even Ken could not imagine. In 1981, Ken began his 12-year stint as the head coach of the Flying Arrows, capturing two WIAA state team runner-up trophies (1989 and 1993) and a team state championship in 1990.
Wanting to put his counseling degree to work, Ken and his family moved to Westby in 1993, where he would serve as a high school guidance counselor and head wrestling coach. Ken elevated the Norsemen wrestling program, winning many conference and regional team titles. Westby qualified for the WIAA team state tournament in 2001, making Ken one of only a handful of Wisconsin high school wrestling coaches to lead two different schools to a team state appearance. During his combined head coaching tenure at the two schools, Ken had 37 state qualifiers, 24 state place-winners, nine state finalists and five state champions. Ken’s accomplishments earned him a place in both the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association George Martin Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Seeking to serve the faculty and students at Westby High School in an even larger capacity, Ken moved into administration as an assistant principal, eventually rising to the role of principal. He retired in 2013, hoping to spend more time with family and continue broadcasting area sporting events with his side business, Western Wisconsin Video Productions. After a few subbing assignments in the area, the Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District reeled Ken back into full-time work in 2019. The past two school years were spent as the N-O-W Elementary principal. Ken cherished the opportunity to put his many years of experience to good use as a mentor to the wonderful students, faculty, and staff there.
Clearly, Ken touched many lives as an educator and coach, but his greatest impact was felt by his family. Growing up on the family dairy farm in Richland County, Ken took to heart the importance of being the first-born. The consummate good son, Ken set an example for his brothers and was always quick to the rescue when needed. As a husband, father, and grandfather, Ken’s protective character constantly showed through as he sought to help those he loved most to navigate this world. Whether it came in the form of warning or wisdom, advice or admonishment, Ken always wanted the best for his family members. He adored his children Jill, Paul, and Tyler, and when Lori came into his life, Ken took Chris and Nick into his heart, loving them as his own.
Ken is survived by his wife of 22 years, Lori; his daughter, Jill Manning (Chris Carey) of Westby; his sons, Paul (Chelsea) Manning of Holmen and Tyler (Lauren) Manning of La Crosse; his stepsons, Chris Neely of La Crosse and Nick Neely of Seattle, Wash.; Sue Brevik (mother of Jill, Paul, and Tyler) of Westby; seven grandchildren, Brody, Cole, and Willow Steinhoff, Lexi and Max Manning, and Jay and Elsie Manning; his mother, Alma Manning of rural Richland Center; his father-in-law, Mel Carl of La Crosse; his brothers, Rick (Deb) Manning of Cazenovia, Randy (Heidi) Manning of rural Richland Center, and Terry (Beth) Manning of Green Bay; his brothers-in-law, Todd (MaryBeth) Carl of Lakeland, Minn., and Randy (Jackie) Carl of La Crosse; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, David Manning; his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Carl; and his grandparents, Glen and Ruby Shetler and Jay and Mabel Hissey.
A visitation was from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Brookwood High School, 28861 Hwy. 131, Ontario, Wis. Pastor George Shick officiated.
Ken loved the simple pleasures of life: a hearty laugh and a few stories with friends and family, a brandy old-fashioned while overlooking the riverfront, a good western movie or 1990s action flick, an episode or two of M*A*S*H, or a nice long soak in the hot tub. The next chance you get to enjoy any of these, please think of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend. Online condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.
