Gerald M. Manion - Big Lake

The Honorable Gerald Marvin Manion, 62, of Big Lake, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012,in Tucson Ariz., while vacationing.

Jerry was born March 8, 1949, in Rushford, to Marvin and Gladys (Henze) Manion and graduated from Rushford High School in 1967. Jerry served in the Navy from 1967 to 1971 servicing the avionics of Naval planes while stationed in Virginia Beach, Va. Upon leaving the Navy, Jerry earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University where he majored in Sociology and minored in Economics. Jerry married Debra (Debbie) Boehmke on Dec. 2, 1972, and established their first home in Winona. Also in 1972 Jerry started his 31 years of service for the post office in Winona as a mail carrier. Jerry ascended to the position of Postmaster and served in this capacity in Lewiston, Stewartville, and Big Lake where he retired in 2004. Along with his career in the Post Office Jerry also held the position of Mayor of Lewiston, started and operated a local cable company and was an active member of the Lions Club.

Along with his career and charitable activities, Jerry was a proud husband and father and always ensured he had time for his family whether it was cooking family meals or attending sporting events. Jerry was always there for his family with a shoulder to cry on, an open ear and comforting words of advice.

Jerry was a Beloved husband, father, son, brother and grandpa and will be missed dearly and fondly remembered for his love of a finding a bargain, golfing, cooking, camping, gardening, eBaying and his famous biscuits and gravy.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Debbie; children, Nikki (Chad) Kranebell, Ryan (Kristy) Manion, Sara (Mike) Smith; mother, Gladys (Henze) Manion; sister, Peggy (Larry) Zdon; grandchildren Jackson, Audrey and Ava. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Manion and brother, Stephan Manion.

We chose Rushford as Jerry’s final resting place because he always considered it "Home".

In lieu of Flowers, donations are welcome to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Services in Rushford.

Services to Celebrate Jerry’s Life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 17, at Rushford Lutheran Church with The Reverend Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will follow in Rushford Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Hoff Funeral Service in Rushford. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Please share a memory of Jerry on-line and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com