Kenneth “Ken” O. Mannel

Obituaries

Reports of Area Deaths

1926-2021

Kenneth “Ken” O. Mannel, 94, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services.

of 1956 and worked with Elmer Taylor at Taylor Funeral Home, eventually purchasing the funeral home and owning and operating it from 1961 until 1977. He also built and operated the funeral home in Prentice. After selling the funeral home Ken and Ruth bought Ed Thums’ Phillip 66 Oil Company until selling it in 1990.

Ken was a member of the Shriners, transporting children to the Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis. He was also a member of the Rib Lake Fire Department, Rib Lake Village Board, Rib Lake United Methodist Church, Lehman-Clendenning American Legion Post, and a charter member of the Rib Lake Lions. He bowled for many years, including the State Tourney. As a member of the Taylor County Board, he was instrumental in establishing and preserving the Wood Lake County Park for future generations.

Ken is survived by his children, Karon (James) Dallmann of Rib Lake, Kim (Leon) Gasek of Medford, Kevin (Shirl) Mannel of Menomonie, Kyle (Penny) Mannel of Fremont, and Kurt (Petti) Mannel of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Ken is further survived by other family and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Keith, and sister, Idell Marshall.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

A memorial service for Ken will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Wood Lake County Park in the Town of Rib Lake, with pastor John Hazen officiating. Burial will take place at Wood Lawn Cemetery in Sparta at a later date. Visitation will take place at Wood Lake County Park on Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Ken was born on July 28, 1926 to Erwin and Viola (Dreier) Mannel in Wilton. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1944. He entered into the Navy in 1944, during World War II, and served on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific. He married Ruth Shaw on June 11, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Sparta; she preceded him in death on Mar. 5, 2020. He was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War. He then attended Mortuary School in Milwaukee.

Ken worked for Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Milwaukee. He moved to Rib Lake in August

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