Marvin D. Manas

Marvin Manas

LESTERVILLE, S.D. — Marvin D. Manas, 83, Lesterville, S.D., died peacefully April 21, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Yankton, S.D., surrounded by his beloved family. Mass of Christian Burial was April 26 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, S.D., with Rev. Joe Forcelle officiating. Burial was in the Nikodym Cemetery, rural Utica, S.D. Visitations and a Scripture service were April 25 at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Tabor, and resumed one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at the church. A live streaming of Marvin’s service can be found at: https://my.gather.app/remember/ marvin-manas. Pallbearers were Alex Dangler, Blaine Lammers, Kaleb Van Driel, Kaylee Goeden, Caden Colvin and Connor Manas. Honorary Pallbearers were the remainder of his grandchildren.

Marvin was born in Yankton May 22, 1940, to John and Emily (Hlavac) Manas. He received the Sacraments at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor. He attended Wilson Country School and graduated from Tabor High School in 1958. He attended college at South Dakota State University, Brookings, and the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

Growing up, he enjoyed fishing; rabbit hunting with cousins; horseback riding; playing checkers with his sister; playing the accordion; helping on the farm; listening to stories on the radio; and playing sports in school, wrestling, basketball, baseball and football. As a child, Marvin’s first language was Czech. He spoke Czech and English at home with his parents and his sister, however, he was not permitted to speak Czech at school.

Marvin married Marie Kleinschmit Oct. 2, 1965, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Menominee. They had nine children. He was proud of his children, their accomplishments, and the strong work ethic he instilled in them. He worked hard to secure promising futures for his children.

Marvin was proud to be a hardworking fourth generation South Dakota farmer. The first tractor he drove was a 1939 Farmall F20. The calluses on his hands, earned through years of strenuous labor, spoke volumes about his unwavering commitment and mastery of his craft. Regardless of the task at hand, whether it was fixing fences, spraying thistle, tilling soil, planting crops, operating the combine, or tending to his cattle, Marvin remained steadfast and committed. His dedication for farming shone through in his tireless efforts, resulting in bountiful harvests and well-cared-for livestock. Marvin’s devotion for farming was a shared passion within his family who worked alongside him. He continued to farm until two years ago when his health no longer permitted him to do so.

He found joy in spending time with his family and dear friend, Marcine, witnessing the growth of his grandchildren, caring for his dogs, cats, and ducks, engaging in card games, sharing stories, keeping up with current events through newspapers and farm magazines, listening to WNAX, and attending Tabor Czech Days. Marvin was a great joketeller. Until the punchline, one never knew if he was telling a joke or a true story. Marvin enjoyed travels to the Black Hills, the South Dakota State Fair, Las Vegas, Ohio, Tennessee, St. Louis, and Hawaii.

Marvin was known for his resilience, unwavering strength, and unmatched work ethic. After a lifetime of hard work and dedication, he now rests, deeply missed by those who loved him dearly. As they say in Czech, “Odpočívej v pokoji. Milujeme tě.”

He is survived by his children, Lori Manas-Lammers, Hartington; Marvin A. Manas, Jr., Chattanooga, Tenn.; Lisa (Wade) Dangler, Yankton, S.D.; Terry (Lacey) Manas, Utica, S.D.; Sandra Van Driel, Norfolk; Susan (Trevor) Goeden, Mission Hill, S.D.; and Amie (Andy) Colvin, Norfolk; his grandchildren, Blaine Lammers, Jenna (Cole) Steffensen and Ryan Lammers; Alex (Megan McCray) Dangler, Madison (Austin) Schelhaas, Brady Dangler, Bryce (Chloe Koletzky) Dangler; Connor, Colter, Clyde, Marti, and Molly Manas; Kaleb, Gavin and Breely Van Driel; Kaylee and Brooke Goeden; and Caden, Evan, Brielle and Asher Colvin; his sister, Darlene Slagle; and other relatives, neighbors, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Magdalene Manas; his son-in-law, David Lammers; and special friend, Marcine Repp.