Maurice Michael Manning

Maurice Michael (Mike) Manning passed away on February 2, 2022, in Kalispell, MT. He was born in Kalispell on January 22, 1941, to Ambrose and Inez Manning. He first brought pride to his mom when he won the “cutest baby contest” at a year old. He was raised on the family homestead East of Kalispell by his mother and his Uncle John. He attended Montford grade school and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1959. He proudly and dutifully served as the local chapter FFA President in 1959, and maintained a sense of honor and gratitude for the organization throughout his life. Upon graduation, he went on to serve as a Vice President of the State FFA organization. From 1960-1964 he attended and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. In 1964, he returned to the family farm and raised grain for 57 years and hogs for 33 years.
On March 21, 1970, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Manning, and raised a daughter, Colleen, and a son, Doug. Mike’s favorite activities other than combining were attending auction sales and watching his grandchildren’s activities, including various sporting events and hogs shows at the fair. Family vacation memories include traveling to Kansas to look at a combine for sale and visiting the John Deere factory in Iowa. Each spring, he looked forward, with God’s help, to raising another bountiful crop and to watching it ripen to harvest. When harvest came, his anticipation mirrored children’s excitement for Christmas morning gifts. His steadfast work ethic was prevalent even into his last harvest seasons in which he welded a special step to aid his climbing into the cab. Mike served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Creston fire department for over 20 years. As a couple, Mike and Mary Ann enjoyed dancing to 50s Rock and Roll and country western music. Both Mike and Mary Ann are grateful that they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by embarking on the “Larry’s Country Diner” cruise through the Caribbean with friends. They enjoyed country music and comedic acts while sailing the seas.
As a farmer and father, Mike was a true steward of the land and caretaker of God’s creation. As a man devoted to faith, he was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Parish. He is preceded in death by his parents Ambrose and Inez Manning, and his Uncle John. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Manning; his daughter, Colleen (PW) Davis; his son, Doug (Chaela) Manning; step grandchildren, Abbie, Patrick Jr., London, and Caleb Davis; grandchildren, Sean, Carlin, Michael, Kathleen, Kellan, and Daniel Manning.
Viewing and Rosary will be held at Johnson-Gloschat on Feb 10, 2022, at 6 PM. Funeral
Mass will be on Feb 11, 2022, at 11 AM at St. Matthew’s Church. Mike valued Catholic Education. Donations in Memorium may be made to FACE or to the Raising a Saint program for Saint Matthew’s School.

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