Wesley "Wes" Lee Manning

Wesley "Wes" Lee Manning, 81, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at home with his beloved wife Judy and dog Abby by his side. 

Wes was born on June 3, 1944, at Wausau Memorial Hospital to Daniel Sr. and Wilma (Blattert) Manning. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Easton and graduated from Wausau High School in 1963 — a milestone he marked with characteristic wit, joking that he "went all 3 school days of the week." On November 11, 1967, he married the love of his life, Judy Shanak, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Wausau, Wisconsin, beginning a partnership spanning 59 years.

After graduation, Wes served in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he briefly worked at the Brokaw Paper Mill before finding his true calling behind the wheel. For 31 years, Wes drove over-the-road for Schneider National, earning membership in the prestigious Two Million Mile Club and collecting multiple safe driving awards along the way. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 662. Wes loved the road deeply — his natural gift for directions earned him the nickname “Human GPS” from a friend. He could always tell you the best route to wherever you were headed, with worthy stops along the way. He raved about the great pastrami, bread, and other food he enjoyed on runs out east.

After retiring from trucking in 2000, Wes couldn’t sit still. He found himself tinkering in the garage, working in the yard, labeling expiration dates on food with duct tape and a Sharpie, and reorganizing kitchen cupboards with a system only he fully understood — signs of a man stir crazy without his work. Fortunately, he soon found his next calling as groundskeeper at Saint Mary's Oratory in Wausau, where he mowed lawns, planted flowers, shoveled sidewalks, and tended to the grounds with pride and genuine care. 

Wes was a blue-collar man through and through — unpretentious, grounded, and proud of it. His sharp wit and mischievous streak could be traced all the way back to his childhood and never really left him. He was known for one-liners with a smirk and twinkle in his eye, able to get a laugh out of just about any situation. He was generous to his core, showing up for people he loved in quiet, steady ways.

In his later years, Wes and Judy settled in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he traded in blue jeans for shorts. They enjoyed exploring and spending time at the Thirsty Turtle, their favorite local spot for food and drink. After some time in Florida, they returned to Wisconsin. He and Judy loved to travel and made regular trips to Minnesota to visit Brad and his family. He shared a love of racing events with Jeff and made memories on the road that his family will carry with them always. 

Wes was preceded in death by parents, Daniel Sr. and Wilma Manning; in-laws, Nick and Maralee Shanak; and siblings, Daniel Manning Jr., Wendy (LeRoy) Moseng, and Perry Manning.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Manning and devoted dog companion Abby; sons Jeff (Julie) Manning and Brad (Ivy) Manning; grandchildren Lucy and Vivian Manning; brother-in-law Gary (Kelly) Shanak and sisters-in-law Audrey (Arlo) Schlund, and Shirley Manning; along with many nieces and nephews; and grand pets.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Judy's sister, Wes's sister-in-law, Audrey Schlund, for her unwavering support through Wes's health challenges and final days. They also wish to express their deep gratitude to the hospice team at Aspirus — especially Jason and Hope — for their compassionate care provided during Wes's final months. 

In keeping with Wes's wishes, cremation will take place, and no funeral will be held. A private committal ceremony for immediate family will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.