Val D. Mann Obituary (1925

Val D. Mann, age 96, of Wisconsin Rapids, went quietly to meet his Lord Sunday afternoon, March 13, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be at Calvary Baptist Church on Friday, March 18 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be officiated by Pastor Jack Austin at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to the time of the funeral. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Val was born November 17, 1925, in Carsonville Township of Becker County, Minnesota to Earl A. and Ethel B. (Williams) Mann, Sr. He attended Lincoln High School until enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1944. He was a nose gunner on a B24 bomber and served in the 389th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force in the European Theater during World War II. Val married Luella M. Luth on March 2, 1946 at Calvary Baptist Church. They were married for 63 years, until Luella passed away April 25, 2009. After being discharged from the service the couple returned to Wisconsin Rapids where Val began working at Consolidated Papers, holding several positions over the 41 years of his employment, ending his career as a supervisor in the blade coater department. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church and served for many years as a deacon. He also served on the building committee during the construction of the new church building as well as the gym addition. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing his love for these sports with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Of special mention is Rushing Winds Resort, a Christian fishing camp in Canada where Val spent much time volunteering and fishing with family and friends. His other hobbies included gardening and jigsaw puzzles, and he enjoyed watching the Brewers play. Val is survived by his five children: James (Chris) Mann of Rib Lake, Dennis (DeEtt) Mann of Wisconsin Rapids, Thomas (Phyllis) Mann of Wisconsin Rapids, Linda Dougherty of Wisconsin Rapids, and Gerald (Cheryll) Mann of Lake Helen, Florida; one brother, Donald (Delores) Mann of Wisconsin Rapids: 18 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren and one expecting. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Earl Mann Jr., Cleo Mann, and Everett Mann. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the family. Memorials may be designated to Never Forgotten Honor Flights or Camp Fairwood, Westfield, Wisconsin.