Joseph Manzanares

MERCER, Wis. — Joseph Manzanares, 77, of Sopko Road, Mercer, died unexpectedly Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at home.

He was born Feb. 6, 1936, in Gary, Ind., son of the late Helen (Geleott) Manzanares Gonzalez and Damian Manzanares, and attended school in Gary. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1953, serving his country stateside during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in August 1956. He then served five years in the USMC Reserve.

On Oct. 27, 1956, Joe married Joyce Olson in Gary, and they moved to Ironwood, Mich., in May 1960. Joe worked as meat manager at the Red Owl in Marenisco, Mich., for two years, and in the spring of 1962 began a 25-year employment as meat manager at Carlson’s Super Market in downtown Ironwood. Joe and Joyce then built a home on Echo Lake in Mercer in 1982, residing there for the past 31 years.

Joe was an active member of the Mercer United Methodist Church, Mercer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9536, Mercer-Manitowish Waters American Legion Post 424, Mercer Lions Club and Mercer Senior Center Disabled Veterans. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award in the year 2000, one of the highest honors in the Lions Club, and was very active in volunteering in the Mercer community.

In earlier years, Joe coached Little League baseball while his boys were growing up, as well as playing softball himself. He also served on the board of directors of Copper Peak. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid Chicago White Sox and Bears fan. Joe dearly loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren, and will be deeply missed. 

Surviving are his wife, Joyce, of 56 years; four children, Joe (Linda) Manzanares, Pence, Lynne Pedri (Allan), Hurley, Mark (Stephanie) Manzanares, Ironwood, and Michael (Anne) Manzanares, Montreal;  eight grandchildren, Corey Pedri, Andrea Pedri, Heather (Cory) Sbraggia, Hailey Manzanares (Matt), Miranda Manzanares, Matthew Manzanares, Kohl Manzanares and Ty Manzanares; two great-grandchildren, Braxton and Addisyn Jo Sbraggia; a sister, Delores (Fred) Mezydlo; and special nephew, Fred (Vicky) Klahn.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Damian Manzanares.

Per Joe’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, July 9, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 9 a.m., at the Mercer United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Richard Hartlerode, pastor, officiating.

Full military honors will be accorded at the church by the combined Mercer VFW Post 9536 and Mercer-Manitowish Waters American Legion Post 424 Honor Guard.

A reception will follow at The Pines in downtown Mercer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer United Methodist Church or the Hurley Booster Club.

Joe’s obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.