Gladys M. Manke

Gladys M. Manke of Waukesha passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of 89 years. She was born in Whitehall, Wisconsin on February 28, 1937, to Harry and Idella (nee: Wallace) Bierman. On May 21, 1960, she married Curtis Manke at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Hartland. He preceded her in death in 2007. She was a 1955 graduate of Hartland High School, a 1959 graduate of UW-Madison and after college worked as a physical therapist for many years at Milwaukee County General Hospital and Waukesha Memorial Hospital. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and served on the bereavement committee. She was also a member of the board of directors at The Caring Place, was a member of The Rare Editions Book Club, and The Republican Party where she volunteered for over 60 years.

She will be sadly missed by her son Charles (Joanie) Manke of Hartland, grandchild Tanya (Chad) Reynen of Oconomowoc, great grandchildren Madison Charlee, Emilee Rose and grandchild Jared Manke of Hartland, son Curt “Andy” (Rebecca Stern) Manke of Waukesha, grandchild Trevor Austin of Waukesha. Also survived by her cousin Marjory Seifert of Sheboygan Falls, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, grandson Tyler Justin, and Cousin Doris Ann Wetzel.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 3:00 PM until the funeral service at 5:00 pm at Randle Dable Brisk Funeral Home 1110 S. Grand Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186. Graveside services will be Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Union Cemetery in Lannon. Memorials are appreciated to Waukesha Memorial Hospital Foundation, Watertown Fire Department, or Waukesha County Historical Society Museum.