Herbert Manke

Mr. Manke was born on February 8, 1927 in Bristol, CT, the son of Jacob and Alvina [Witzke] Manke. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Rita [Morgan] Manke in 2012.

He graduated from Bristol Technical High School in 1944. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-6 primarily as an instructor at Fleet Sonar School, Key West, FL. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from UCONN in 1951 and went to work for the U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London, CT. He retired from the subsequent Naval Undersea System Center in 1989.

Mr. Manke was a charter member of and lifetime volunteer at Christ Lutheran Church in Niantic. He held many positions at the church including congregation president. He was a dedicated family man.

Mr. Manke is survived by his daughter Karen Chapman of Gales Ferry, son Robert (and Sheila) Manke of Wakefield, RI, sister Leah Modeen of Farmington, grandchildren Jacob (and Jennifer) Manke of Groton, David of Fairhaven, MA, Rachel of Malden, MA and Thomas Chapman of the District of Columbia, two great-grandchildren Leah and Matthew of Bozrah, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by daughter Elizabeth, brothers Leonard, Gustave, William and George, and sisters Elna and Adela

The family would like to express its deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Fairview/Odd Fellows Home for loving, professional and exemplary care.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London, CT 06320. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 11:00 am in Christ Lutheran Church, Niantic. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information. Donations may be made in his memory to Christ Lutheran Church, 24 Society Rd, Niantic, CT 06357 or Fairview/Odd Fellows Home, 235 Lestertown Rd., Groton, CT 06340