David Fred Manz, Jr. (Dave, Dad, Grandpa), 94, of Hayward Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday December 10, at the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.

He was born, to Amelia Manz and David Fred Manz, Sr. in Duluth Minnesota on October 9, 1926. He graduated from Morgan Park High School and the University of Minnesota.

Dave was an Eagle scout as a youth, multi-sport athlete in high school (2nd place in the Minnesota state 880 yard dash), and dance-band trumpet player in college, regularly playing jazz/swing music in a big band at a “dry-non” dance club in Superior. He had a long and accomplished career as an automotive engineer, spent mostly at General Motors Corporation. An avid tinkerer and home project enthusiast (often with his sons in earlier years) – home repairs, remodeling a basement into a rec room, doing his own auto maintenance, building a canoe and boathouse, rebuilding a motorcycle engine, chain sawing fallen trees, making maple syrup, to name just a few of his many undertakings – he kept contentedly busy throughout his life. Dave retired in Hayward with second wife LaVurne, where they enjoyed lake living and were very involved with their church, Hayward United Methodist Church, serving in administration of the church and helping maintain the church grounds.

Married twice, he was preceded in death by Winifred Mae Manz  and LaVurne Manz. He is survived by his sons David (Tanya), Charles (Karen), and Michael (Carolyn), step sons Mark (Colleen) and Tom, and step daughter Julie. He had seven grandchildren - David Manz (Jennifer), Kristina Sellers (Dwayne), Christopher Manz, Kathryn Manz, Emilie Klemptner (Tony), Carly Manz (Aaron Wood), and Allison Manz. He is also survived by six great grandchildren (Sarah, Quincy, Nicholas, Henry, Xander, and Oscar).

He will be warmly missed by his loving family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Last Update: Dec 14, 2020 9:57 pm CST