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Obituary for Rilla M. Manske


Rilla M. Manske, 83, of La Crosse, passed away, Monday, April 3, 2023, at her home.

She was born December 2, 1939, in La Crosse, to Stanley and Myrtle (Larson) Alexander. Rilla was a graduate of Central High School in La Crosse. On June 27 1959, she married Lloyd Manske at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse and together they shared over 63 years of marriage. Rilla worked in customer service at various businesses in La Crosse. She was a longtime employee of the Company Store where she retired from.

Rilla enjoyed antiquing and collecting, card club with her girlfriends, and going out for Chinese Food multiple times a week with her friend, Sandra. She loved her Beagles, Abby, Daisy, and Tippy. She was a long time member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1920 and a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, both of La Crosse.

Rilla was a loving wife and mother who always put everyone before herself. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

Survivors include her loving husband, Lloyd; children, Monte Manske and Kari (Jeff) Lockhart; in-laws, Lonnie (Sonia) and Larry (Kay) Manske and LaVonne Wolfe; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Rilla was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Michael, Forrest, and Morton (Elda).

A celebration of life will be held FROM 3:00 P.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M. ON SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023, AT ALL STAR LANES 4735 MORMON COULEE RD., LA CROSSE. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in La Crosse.

Rilla’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her niece, Tory Alexander, for being her primary caretaker; providing an immeasurable amount of care, love, and compassion.