Date of Birth:
Thursday, June 19, 1930
Date of Death:
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Age:
94 years old

Willard Arthur Manthey

Willard Arthur Manthey
Born: June 19, 1930
Died: March 27, 2025

Willard (Bill) Manthey was born to Agnes and Arthur Manthey in the early summer of 1930.
He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. His family adored his good nature and strong work ethic.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Airforce for four years (January 6, 1951 through January 5, 1955). He and his wife Evelyn were married June 6, 1954 in Waseca, Minnesota. Bill worked for National Tea and Super Value in Rochester for many years, studied Food Science at Michigan State University and achieved his dream of becoming self-employed at his own grocery store, Bill’s Foods, in Byron, Minnesota for 24 years: 1968-1992. After Bill and Evelyn sold the family store, Bill worked at the American Legion in Byron.

Bill and Evelyn raised their children Michele, Wayne, Gayle and Dawn in the family grocery business which shaped the family with a strong work ethic. The Mantheys have many fun and interesting small town stories of their years working together at their dad’s grocery store. All four of the Manthey kids graduated from Byron High School between the mid to late 1970’s to the early 1980’s. Bill’s extended family enjoyed many loving memories of holidays at their place out on 23rd Avenue filled with laughter, ball games on tv, good food and their dad being the generous host of all who attended.

Bill Manthey is proceeded in death by his loving wife Evelyn Jane, his four siblings Marlin, Delores, Anita and Joann as well as two of his fine son-in-laws: Fred Saack and Ron Strain.

Bill is survived by his loving children: Michele Saack (Fred), Wayne Manthey (Laura), Gayle Strain (Ron) and Dawn Campion (Dan). Bill is also survived by many loving grandchildren and their young ones. Wayne’s children and grandchildren: Nick Manthey (Destyni, J.J. and Tatum), Melissa and Nick Ebnet (Kloie and Tristan). Gayle and Ron’s children and grandchildren: Reid and Jessica Strain (Gavin and Reagan), Kali and Peter Storm (Leah and Wyatt), Megan and Kurt Schlangen (Skyler and Weston). Dawn and Dan Campion’s children and grandchildren: Lucas Campion (Jaycee and Kayden), Chandra and Travis (Evelyn, Ramsie and Cooper).

Bill and Evelyn Manthey have left a legacy of 16 great-grandchildren to remember their loving kindness, hard work and strong spirits.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday April, 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, MN with a visitation one hour prior to the service also at the church.