David O. Manthe, age 66, of Bagley, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday March 4, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital in Madison after a courageous battle with cancer. David was born on Jan. 31, 1952, at an army hospital in South Carolina, the son of David C. and Ann (Willard) Manthe. David married Nancy Larson on Dec. 9, 2017, after dating for 14 years.
After graduating from Poynette High School, David attended U.W. Madison, receiving a degree in finance. He worked in banking for several years before being employed at Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in Madison for 28 years. David was a friend to all and dearly loved his family and friends. He enjoyed bowling and playing softball, telling jokes, and traveling to Disney with his sons and to Germany to see his foreign exchange brother Peter. He also shared a deep love of sports with his sons Jordan and Neil and life long best friend Doug Halvorson. Together they celebrated the wins and mourned the losses of their favorite teams, especially the Badgers and Packers. David was a kind and gentle man who loved serving his Lord and giving to those in need. He deeply touched the lives of his family, friends and co-workers with his humor, infectious smile and loving heart.
We thank all those that have had David in their thoughts and prayers for so many months. Your love and support has made these last few months more bearable.
David is survived by his loving wife Nancy of Bagley, son Neil Manthe of Madison; step-children Kevin (Sara) Wilson and Kim (Mike) Freymiller, both of Fennimore; step-grandchildren, Reid, Braxton, Lexi and Brennen; father David C. Manthe of DeForest; sisters, Margaret (Randy) Schuster of DeForest and Cindy Manthe of Madison; nephew Brett (Katy) Schuster of DeForest and their son Owen, niece Stacey (Scott) Kuiper of DeForest and their children Grace, Hannah, Molly and Noah, and many special brother and sister-in-laws.
David was preceded in death by his mother Ann, son Jordan and brother-in-law Louie Larson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Bristol Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie. Burial will follow at St. John Nepumuc Catholic Church Cemetery in Castle Rock Township, Grant County, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the Bristol Lutheran Church on Friday morning and from 3:30 – 7:30 P.M. on Thursday evening March 8, 2018 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore.