Henry James Manson Jr., 81, of Janesville and formerly of Elroy died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, at RockHaven Nursing Home in Janesville.
He was born June 10, 1929, to Henry and Hazel (Alverson) Manson in Elroy. He grew up in the Elroy area and was a member of the graduating class of 1947 from the Elroy High School. Henry was united in marriage to Irene DeChant on Oct. 18, 1958, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, town of Wellington.
He worked at the Elroy Creamery before moving to Janesville and starting work for General Motors. He worked in several different areas at GM before retiring on April 1, 1990. He was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 95. He was the ultimate handyman. He was a woodworker who made many things, but he was especially known for his birdhouses. He was an avid Packer Fan and enjoyed hunting and ice fishing. He loved the spirit of Christmas. Henry will be known for his great sense of humor and the joy that he had when he was able to spend time visiting with his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Irene of Janesville; a brother, Allan of Elroy; two sisters, Mary Jane (Herb) Melbye of Cameron, Wis., and Carol Manson of Elroy; three sisters-in-law, Shirley (John) Midthun of Washburn, Wis., Ruth (Robert) Wopat of Madison and Jayne DeChant of Kendall; a brother-in-law, Roger DeChant of Kendall; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Lloyd, Lester “Stub”, Irvin and Calvin; and three sisters, Shirley Manson, Irma Bonson and Blanche Schweiger.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 112 E. South Railroad St., Kendall. Pastor Kay Wold will officiate. Burial will be in the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 309.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4–8 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to services Monday.
Online condolences can be sent at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
The family would like to thank the staff members at RockHaven Nursing Home for their dedication when caring for Henry for the past month. To Patty and Marlene in the physical rehabilitation department and all of the nurses on the third floor, the family would like to give a special thank you for their gentleness and kindness.
