Roland Manthe

DeForest- Roland “Rollie” Manthe, age 88, died on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at his home. He was born in the Town of Leeds on August 2, 1935 the son of Walter and Irene Manthe.

Roland received a BS, MS and PhD in University Administration and Adult Education from the UW Madison. He was the student manager of the boxing team from 1955-1958. Roland worked for Universities for 35 years, at the University Coop Extension in Wisconsin for seven years, 21 years in West Virginia, and seven years in Illinois. He was a 4-H Club Agent in Green Lake and Marathon Counties, and District Leader for 28 years in West Virginia and Illinois. Roland received the rank of Professor for his teaching at West Virginia University.

Roland served in the US Army active duty and reserves for 35 years. He went from private to Colonel and earned a Legion of Merit award for his career. Roland served 12 years as a commander for five different units: Company (2), Battalion, Group, and USAR School. He retired in 1996 and returned to DeForest and joined Lord of Love Lutheran Church.

Roland’s passion was the Lions Club, he was a proud member for 62 years and served as District Governor in West Virginia, Illinois and Wisconsin. He enjoyed helping other and serving as a cornea transporter. Roland first joined a Lions Club in Green Lake in 1961. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved WI Badger sports. Roland’s favorite organizations he participated in were Friends of NRA, Badgerland Safari Club International, ROA, American Legion, NRA, “W” Club, Mendota Gridiron, NARFE, UW Alumni, Epsilon Sigma Phi, and many others.

Roland was first married to Karen Kendall: children born of that marriage are Kendall (Renee Zane) Manthe, Joan Manthe Tinch, and Jennifer Manthe. Roland married Beatrice Lynn Carver on December 28, 1974.

Roland is survived by his wife, Lynn; three children; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and sister, Jean Manthe Pauli. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Larry and Duane Manthe.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, W6906 County Road K, Arlington, WI, with Rev. Joel Jenswold officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at church, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Lions Foundation Pride Campaign, 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI, 54473.

Please share your memories of Roland by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054