Obituary of Walter J. Mankowski

Walter J. Mankowski, age 73, of Mt. Morris, died Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 am, Saturday, August 6, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Thomas Nenneau officiating with cremation will follow. Walter’s family will be present at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris to receive friends on Friday, from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. On Friday evening, family, friends and parish will gather to pray the Rosary at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, Walter will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. Walter was born March 28, 1943, in Gaylord, Michigan, the son of the Mr. & Mrs. Leo and Agnes (Piasecki) Mankowski. He proudly served in the United States Army until receiving his honorable discharged. He married Susan C. Jurek on November 5, 1966, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Sadly, she preceded him in death on January 10, 1987. He worked for General Motors in Skilled Trades for many years before retiring in 1995. He was a long-time member of UAW local #659 and a past Knights of Columbus member #4285. Walter was known for being a “Jack of all trades”; in his free time, he could be found helping out others with their home renovation projects. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends outdoors picking Morel Mushrooms, hunting, fishing, tending to his vegetable garden, Wii Sports, Casino and playing BINGO, yard work and woodworking. Left to cherish his memory are two daughters: Brenda Collins and Kelly (Ken) Yuhos; five grandchildren: Eric (Alysha) Northey, Danielle (Adam) Ellison, Bobby, Autumn, and Toriann Collins; five great-grandchildren: Cadence, Hannah, Madelyn, Kaylee and Avery; long-time girlfriend, Cindy Cates, and her family: daughter, Casey (Jason) Kuehling and their two sons: Cason and Jaxon; special family pets: Charlie and Buddy; sister, Anna Figiel; three brothers: John (Stella) Mankowski, Joe (Beverly) Mankowski, and Jerome (Harriet) Mankowski; and many other family members and friends. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, wife Susan, and numerous brothers and sisters.