David Marvin Mahnke

Dear Denise, Darleen, Doreen & Mike and families:

It has been quite a few year's since we have all been together. When my mom (Donna Adrian) called to tell me of the sudden calling home of your parents to their eternal home, she went on to tell me of many family stories.

Dave was always her big cousin, who always got to do everything before her, even driving a car. She wanted so bad for him to take her places in his big green Buick! She recalled stories of playing volleyball at St. Jacobi, in Greenfield and going to play cards at Jay and Sharon Pede's house. One night he missed a step and got a big gash in his head...first they all laughed and then realizes it was a deep cut (but she doesn't remember if he got stitches, this is over 30 years ago)

I remember Dave, my Godfather, and Carole always giving me coins, in packages, right from the Mint for Christmas and Birthday gifts. And one year they even gave me a huge box of sea shells, which are probably still in my parent's basement!

I don't have any words to comfort you and tell you why this accident took them at such a young age, but I hope you rejoice in knowing they are together in heaven with our Lord and Savior, the final destination we will all reach!

Pam Hunt, for the Adrian Family

To My Brother Dave,

Just returned from Brenham, brought my whole family along. Your daughters did a beautiful job in your memory. It was a very special day for you and Carole. You two would not believe how many people loved and cared about you. Your wonderful friends knew you so well. They talked about your kindness, your caring and your love. You were truly filled with the Holy Spirit, and are now with our Lord and Savior.

Both of you would have been so excited to learn who all came. Your best friend Jay from grade school and high school flow in. Remember that 8th Grade graduation party. Jay says he is still sorry about breaking mom’s table. He remembered how upset she was.

It seems like it was just yesterday we were at Denise & Joel’s wedding. You were so happy that someone from the family would be able to watch you walk your daughter down the isle. You had tears and told me it was a very emotional time for you and you needed my support.

We had a great time at the reception, but my favorite was just lying on the bed with you, Don, and Carole. Talking about your special trip to Costa Rica and how beautiful it was there. We talked about old times like when my books fell through the hole in the floor of your 53’ Buick. The teachers at Wisconsin Lutheran would not believe my story. We also laughed about you and Don talking the jump together with your sled on killer hill at Mitchell Park. I do believe you and Don brought mom and dad the sled back in pieces.

I loved trying to sing Spanish songs with Denise, Joel and his friends. I loved jumping on the bed with your grandchildren. I loved kidding you about turning 2 years older then me in a just a few weeks, but then Carole had to remind me that I would remain older than her for several more weeks also.

The very best of all, were the special hugs and kisses. The many phone calls you placed after the wedding to thank us for coming and the promise that we would see all of you again in just 5 short months.

As I sit here with tears in my eyes, I can here you say, like when I was a little child. “Dudy Cry, Dudy Cry, help her, help her.” “I don’t like to hear Dudy cry.” So Dave, I will stop crying, I know you would want me to. I know that Christ has washed all our sins away, prepared a place for us and we will see you soon.

Love,

Judy and Don

To My Big Brother:

What am I ever going to do without you? You were always there when I needed you and now I need you more than ever. Who am I going to call? Who will listen to me and all my questions and problems? How am suppose to get through a summer without your annual visit? You were suppose to stay here in August. I'm really mad at you right now but you know I never could stay mad for long, you wouldn't let me. So help me out here and give me one of your big hugs and that big dumb smile if only in a dream. Your girls and Mike will be alright. They have an adopted Mom and Dad now Uncle Pat and me. We will do anything for your kids as you would do for us. I know you would have been mad at me for helping to carry you to your final resting place but I did it you weren't heavy you're my brother.When you left you took a piece of my heart. So hang on to it for now and I'll come and collect it one day. Pat says he lost his best friend and HIS BROTHER. He misses you so deeply. We love you so very much. Thanks for that phone call I got before you left it was my last one. Until we meet again Big Bro. I Love you now and forever. Little Sis

I am very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers. Uncle Dave and Aunt Carol may not be on this earth anymore but they always will be in hearts and memories. May they rest in peace with our father in heaven.

Love,

Terri, Andy and Bailey Hust

Denise, Joel and Family:

In memory of your Dad and Mom, I found this poem I wanted to share with you....

"We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death
we do the same. It broke our
hearts to lose you, you did not go
alone; for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home. You
left us peaceful memories, your love
is still our guide; and though we
cannot see you, you are always at our
side. Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again."

May God bless you,
Irene Tusing and Family

I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Mahnke Family,

We had the privilege of meeting Dave and Carol for the first time at our daughter and son-in-law's wedding almost six years ago. Even though we had only seen them a few times over the past six years, we knew they were very special people. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. It is unimaginable what you must be going through. May it comfort you to know that they are surely in heaven reaping their eternal reward. They were some of the nicest, giving people we ever met.

Mark and Lois Keating
(Jeremy Wielgosh's in-laws)

Darleen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of your parents comfort you during this time. Remember that they are in heaven watching over you and will be with you always.
Love,
Tammi and Brooks Birkhimer

Denise,
I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know you are in my thoughts. If there is anything I can do for you, please know that I am here for you.

-Lesley