Barbara H. Manske

Barbara H. (Sheehan) Manske, age 86, of Mankato passed away peacefully, August 18, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato.

Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., September 4, 2026, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., September 3, at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at the church.

Memorials may be given to Christ the King Lutheran Church, ECHO Food Shelf, or the donor’s choice.

Barbara was born in Mankato on November 10, 1939, to Howard and Deloris (Nelson) Sheehan. Howard died after a short illness at age 29 in 1943. Barb was raised by Deloris and her second husband, Woodrow “Woody” Guenther, whom she lovingly called Dad as he raised her from the age of 3, loving her as his own.

She grew up in Mankato, where she attended school from kindergarten through high school, graduating from Mankato High School in 1957. Barb worked at Valley News Company, off and on, for more than 40 years. While working there, she met the man who would become the love of her life, Bill Manske. They were married on May 20, 1966 and were married for more than 60 years. After Bill was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1969, they settled in Mankato and raised two children.

A devoted and loving wife and mother, she bravely battled an unknown ailment for the last 4 years of her life. Her suffering is now over and she has a new home in Heaven, surrounded by her loving family and friends who preceded her.

Barb is survived by her husband, William “Bill” of more than 60 years; daughter, Mary Manske of Savage and son, Michael Manske of Eagan; brother, John Sheehan of Ham Lake; sisters, Susan (Harvey) Serr and Judy (Gene) Mensing all of Mankato; sisters-in-law, Roxanne Guenther, Roxanne Manske, and Christine Manske; brother-in-law, James (Nancy) Manske; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Guenther; sister-in-law, Sharon Sheehan; brother-in-law, Tom Manske; and two nephews, David and Rusty.