Manford Everett Rydholm

Manford "Manny" Everett Rydholm, 81, of Newburgh, IN passed away Friday, August 23, 2024. He was born in Warren, PA to the late Everett O. and Lillian G. (Olson) Rydholm. From an early age, Manny showed a strong mechanical aptitude and cherished time building Soap Box Derby cars with his father culminating in Manny becoming the 1958 Warren County champion and taking his “Red Bird” to the National Soap Box Derby race in Akron, OH. Manny excelled in his studies and was Valedictorian of the 1960 Class at Youngsville High School in Youngsville, PA. He graduated from Penn State University in 1964 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and promptly began his career with Alcoa in Pittsburgh, PA. While in Pittsburgh, he met the love of his life, Nancy. He was transferred to Alcoa Warrick Operations in 1968 and played an integral role during the early and growing years of the site. Manny retired from Alcoa after 39 years of service, yet continued to work for the company as a consultant for an additional 10 years. Manny was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of Newburgh United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for many years. He was always engaged in his two daughters’ lives whether coaching soccer, supporting Castle High School Marching Knights, or cheering on the Castle High School tennis team. However, it was attending his grandchildren’s activities that brought him the greatest joy. Anyone who knew Manny knew of his love for college football and particularly his passion for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He was an avid tennis player throughout his lifetime and was a fixture at Tri-State Athletic Club. In his retirement years, Manny and his wife found time for new hobbies and adventures as members of several Evansville dance clubs and spending winters on the beaches of Florida. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Bo Steven Wurth. Manford is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy (Martin) Rydholm; daughters, Courtney Merkel (Bret) of Acworth, GA and Kristi Wurth (Todd) of Brentwood, TN; grandchildren, Jackson Wurth, Jordan Wurth, Alex Merkel, and Jacob Merkel; sisters, Gloria Dominick (Bill) of Naples, FL and Lois Carr (Al) of Mint Hill, NC. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Newburgh United Methodist Church, 4178 SR 261, Newburgh, IN, officiated by Rev. Holly Hardsaw, with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, IN or on Saturday prior to funeral service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Newburgh United Methodist Church or Chemo Buddies. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.