The Incomparable Ron J. Manker passed away on January 16, 2023, at the young age of 74, while holding his wife’s hand.
Ron was born on August 30, 1948, in Twin Falls Idaho, the youngest of the four children born to Ted and Joy Manker. He was educated in Twin Falls, attending the Lutheran School, O’Leary Jr High, and Twin Falls High School. While in his senior year of High School, Ron’s life was forever changed when his best friend set him up on a blind date with Sherril Holton-Hall. Ron graduated high school in 1966 and enrolled at CSI in Twin Falls all the while dating Sherril. Ron left CSI and joined the Army in 1967. While home on leave Ron picked Sherril up in his ‘56 black & yellow Chevy and while looking at the nighttime sky he asked her to marry him. They were married on April 12, 1968, two months before Sherril graduated high school. Ron & Sherril would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in April.
Ron and Sherril began their life together living in Boise. They then moved to Burley where they welcomed their first son Ron in 1970. They moved to Twin Falls and welcomed their second son Randy in 1973. Summer Lynn completed their family of five in 1976.
Though Ron was diagnosed with diabetes at age 19, he never used it as an excuse or allowed it to keep him from doing the things he loved. Ron played softball and basketball on city and church leagues. He was always available for a round of golf with friends. Ron spent many years coaching his kids in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a Boy Scout Leader, served on the Optimist Board, and taught Sunday School at the First Christian Church. If the kids had an activity or performance Ron was there.
Ron’s varied career included working at a bottling company, Kings Variety Store, M & Y Electric and as a salesman for KLIX radio station. One of his favorite memories while working at KLIX was donning the KLIX Klucker Chicken Suit and walking in the parades. As a 6 ft plus guy he made an unforgettable “Feathered Klucker”. Ron went back to CSI and received associate degrees in Electronic Technology and Business Technology. Ron used his degrees while working at M&Y Electric, but his true calling was in sales. Ron could talk to and sell anything to anyone. Ron began working as an outside sales associate for Gem State Paper in Twin Falls, he then transferred to the Idaho Falls area and finished his career with Gem State Paper in Boise. For the next 15 years, Ron worked for the Boise Schools Technical Education Center. He enjoyed working with the instructors and staff, but mostly the kids. Ron genuinely enjoyed kids of all ages.
After retirement Ron spent much of his time cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, picking the grandsons and their friends up after school and giving them a ride home, sometimes stopping for ice cream on the way home. Ron kept a supply of snacks and candy in his truck just in case one of the kids needed an afterschool treat. Ron also enjoyed sitting in his recliner with a puppy on each side watching old westerns on TV while waiting for Sherril to get home from work.
After Sherril retired, she enjoyed traveling in their RV and Ron went along for the ride, never knowing for sure when he would be coming back. When the kids would call and ask when they were returning home he would always say “ask your mom..” Nothing made Ron happier than playing a game of pinochle with friends, camping, vacations, grandchildren’s sporting events and programs, BSU games, petting Daisy & Barkley, holding every baby, backyard BBQs and just loving his life with all of us.
Ron was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Ted Manker, brother Ed Manker, Sister Sharron Houser, and Uncle Steve Manker. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Sherril, Son Ron (Kelli), Son Randy (Tracy) Daughter Summer Wassler (Jim), 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, mother-in-law Lorraine Manker, numerous nieces and nephews, and puppies Daisy Mae & Barkley.
His was a life well lived and he was a man well loved.
He was a Fighter till the end.
Memorial service for Ron will be held, Saturday, January 28th, 11:00 am, at Deer Flat Church, 17703 Beet Rd, Caldwell ID 83607. Reception to follow.