Kenneth Roger Manka, 84, of Melbeta, passed away on December 22, 2021 at his home with family by his side. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the service time of 1:30 PM on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff with Pastor Brad Kihlthau officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel facebookpage. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Memorials may be given to the family who will forward these to the Eagles Cancer Fund. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dugankramer.com for the Manka family.
Ken was born May 20, 1937 in Phillips, Nebraska to Ralph and Ruth (Roberts) Manka. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School. He was united in marriage to Patricia Reynolds on December 30, 1956 in Casper, Wyoming to whom four children were born: Jacki, Steve, Kenny, and Holly. They started raising their family in Gering before moving to Melbeta in 1976.
Ken worked for the Scotts Bluff County Roads Department, retiring in May of 2002. After retirement, he fulfilled his dream of owning his own truck and drove for PMS in Minatare.
He joined the Eagles in 1966 and was very involved serving as President of the local Aerie, State President, West Central Regional President, and was currently State Treasurer. He had many close friends throughout the state and enjoyed attending state convention and participating in the annual shuffleboard tournament.
Ken participated in the Sugar Valley Rally driving his 1931 Model A he restored with his son and son-in-law. He also served on the Rally planning committee.
Ken loved his kids and grandkids and always looked forward to having everyone for holidays and summer picnics which always included a horseshoe tournament which he usually won.
Ken is survived by his son Kenny (Kay) Manka of McGrew; daughter Holly (Corey) Feil of Wahoo; daughter-in-law Christy Manka of Minatare; grandchildren: Nathan Johns, Linsy Greene, Jason (Aspen) Johns, Daniel (April) Manka, Alyssa Manka, Travis (Brittaney) Manka, Ryan Manka, Tyler (Brooke) Feil, Garrett Feil, and Caleb Feil; brothers Larry Manka and Wendell (Carolyn) Manka; sister-in-law Geri Manka; brother-in-law Mike (Roxanne) Reynolds; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pat, daughter Jacki, son Steve, brother Gene, sisters-in-law Jerry Manka and Betty Lou Harriger, and brother-in-law Jac Reynolds.
