Newington Obituary: Paul Manke, 83

Paul R. Manke, 83, entered into eternal peace on Monday, June 6, 2016.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth (Helming) Manke. He was predeceased by his parents Herman and Ella Manke. He is also survived by his son Timothy Manke and his children Beth and Christopher of Newington, his son Peter and daughter-in-law LeeAnn and their children Robert, Meghan, and Patricia, also of Newington, and his son John and his children Pamela and Andrew of Southington. He also leaves behind his brother Alwin and wife Dorthea of Cheshire, as well as many other loving family members and close friends.

Paul grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Hall High School before moving to Newington where he raised his family. Paul was a longtime employee of the Monsanto and Solutia companies. Throughout his life Paul was devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church in Hartford and then Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Newington.

Paul demonstrated his commitment to the community in many ways, including serving on the Church Council and the Greater Hartford Council. He was also enthusiastically involved with and served as former scoutmaster of Boy Scout troop #347, a proud tradition his sons and grandsons have carried on. He was very proud when his family was honored with the Newington Volunteers of the Year Award in 2001.

Paul enjoyed gardening, vacationing with family, wood working, building puzzles and watching the Yankees and UConn Basketball. Paul was also an avid reader of Western books and enjoyed "resting his eyes".

His funeral will be celebrated on Friday, June 10, 2016, at 10:00 AM, meeting directly at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1655 Main St, Newington. Interment services will follow at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. Relatives and friends are welcome to call on Thursday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be directed to Troop #347 Scholarship Fund, 64 Willard Avenue, Newington, CT 06111 or to Our Saviors Lutheran Church.