Click here for funeral folder

Robert E. Manly

Robert “Bob� E. Manly, age 67, of New Rockford, ND, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 10, 2013, at Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN. Bob valiantly fought leukemia for six years. He died as a result of complications from a stem cell transplant.

Robert “Bob� Emmett Manly was born on November 19, 1945, to Robert and Esther (Larson) Manly in New Rockford, ND. He was a proud 1963 graduate of St. James Academy in New Rockford, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN. He graduated from Creighton University School of Law in 1973, and joined his father and brother in the practice of law in New Rockford. Bob served as Eddy County States Attorney from 1974 to 2000 and New Rockford City Attorney from 1984 to 2011.

Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice (Parker) Manly in 1971. Bob was active in his community, serving on New Rockford’s Hospital Board, St. John’s Parish Council, Kiwanis, and numerous other civic activities. When not buried in a history book or watching a baseball game, Bob brought good cheer and laughter to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He was an amazing father to his two children, loving husband to his wife Jan and a fun and caring “Tupa� to his six grandchildren. He will be forever missed, but always remembered.

Bob will be loved and greatly missed by his wife Janice; his son, Rob (Julie) Manly, Fargo, ND; his daughter, Christine (Clint) Link, Waseca, MN; one brother, Jim (Cindy) Manly, Fargo, ND; two sisters-in-law, Judy (Dr. Bob) Johnson, Grand Forks, Kay (Del) Stein, Lakeville, MN; grandchildren, Megan, Ryan and Brady Manly, all of Fargo, ND, and Parker, Owen and Reid Link all of Waseca, MN.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials are requested to the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or www.gift-of-life.org

 

PRAYER SERVICE: Friday at 7:00 PM St. John's Catholic Church

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 10:30 AM

INTERMENT: St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford, ND


Posted Condolences:

***

Name: Reid Thebault

Date: 6/3/2014

Message: Jan,It was with much sadness I learned of Bob's death this morning while doing a google search of old friends.While we did not communicate often over the last several years I have always considered him one of my most cherished friends.We shared many an adventure in our college days and as roommates for over two years I guess we were much like brothers.At least,as an only child,I considered him a brother.While I won't get to see or talk with Bob again,I'll always remember the good times we shared with fondness.My sincere condolences to you and you family.Reid Thebault

***

Name: Pam Heilman Branch

Date: 11/19/2013

Message: Dear Jan and family,

Bob fought a valiant fight with you by his side!  As a former New Rockford neighbor, I treasure special memories.  We spent many fun hours playing cards in the "Heilman" basement, laughing until our sides hurt with Bob and Jim, and I watched Bob hone his basketball skills shooting baskets in his yard.  I am so grateful for the advice he gave us regarding our parent's estate.  You probably can guess what he requested for payment!!  He was a special, caring friend.  May he rest in peace.  Pam (Heilman) Branch

 

***

Name: Ann and Neil Heiden

Date: 11/19/13

Message: Our deepest condolences to you Jan and your family.  At times life doesn't seem fair, but that is why we are given great memories and from the stories I've read you have some wonderful memories to carry you through the difficult times.  Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. 

Neil and Ann Heiden

***

Name: Deanna Erickson

Date: 11/19/2013

Message: Jan and family, I was so saddened to hear about Bob's passing.  I loved his sense of humor. Even with his retirement, I missed the little conversations we would have at the courthouse - whether he offered a little joke or a piece of advice!  He definitely will be missed by everyone you knew him. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness.

***

Name: Faith Trudeau

Date: 11-17-2013

Message: Dear Jan and Family: Sorry I wasn't healthy enough to be at your funeral Bob! Here is a story I would like to share with all of you. My mother Dorothy Trudeau to the day she died called her dust pan Bob's pan. The reason for this is Bob came to the house one Saturday morning. My brothers Darrel & Neil couldn't leave until the house was clean, so Bob said he'd help. He got to sweep the entry way and not knowing what to do with the dirt he swept up, he swept it under the rug. Mom caught him, so Mom made him re-sweep the entry way. As Bob did, Mom went into the kitchen and wrote Bob on the dust pan. Mom handed Bob the dust pan saying " Bob if you use this and don't sweep the dirt under the rug, you'll only have to do it once." Thank you Bob for being a family friend and Mom's Lawyer! To Jan and the rest of Bob's family Keep his good memories alive & know he has made his ultimate goal in life! He will be spending his 1st Christmas in heaven with the KING & I don't mean Elvis!

(HUGS) & love too you all!

***

Name: Tom & Nancy Boyle

Date: 11-14-2013

Message: Dear Jan and Family:  Everyone who ever knew Bob, will forever remember him for his "one of a kind" sense of humor.  Well beyond that however, he will be remembered as a kind, caring, compassionate and generous man; attributes that many aspire to and Bob exemplified.  He was an admirable school-mate, a respected professional, but mostly a  wonderful example of an ideal lifelong friend and neighbor. 

Jan, we will always treasure the time we shared with you and Bob at your second home, The Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester.  Bob was an inspiration in life, long before his illness, and we are very grateful to you, for providing us the opportunity to share in his journey home.  We pray for God's grace for you and your entire family, as you prepare for the celebration of Bob's life.  In friendship, we extend our heartfelt love and sympathy.  

Tom and Nancy Boyle

***

Name: Diane Bjerrke

Date: 11/14/2013

Message: The photo that you chose to share was perfect: Bob in front of the bookcase. We will always remember the laughs we shared during our times together as couples the past 40+ years. Only Bob could take an ordinary life experience and make it a hilarious adventure in his retelling. Together you had an amazing journey - God Bless your memories today and always!  Our sincerest sympathy in your loss.

Jack and Diane

***

Name: Tim Richard

Date: 11-14-13

Message: Rob and family, Our deepest condolences on your loss. Rob, I don't know if I ever met your dad, but am sure that you are the man and attorney you are today because of him. But I have to believe Bob had a better jump shot than you! Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Tim and Shelly Richard

***

Name: Gary Klein

Date: 11/14/2013

Message:  Dear Jan and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great guy and so much enjoyment to be around-never a dull moment. Our lives are better for having known Bob. God bless--Gary Klein

***

Name: Tanya Steidl

Date: 11-13-13

Message: I used to work at Eventide and I took care of Bob's mother Esther. Bob was so kind and generous. He had a heart of gold just like his mother. Bob had a great sense of humor. So sorry Bob's life was cut short. I maybe only met Bob a handful of times, but this is a family who stays in your heart. Its been way over 10 years since I took care of Esther and I remember her like it was yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family and friends.

***

Name: John and Joann Lawrence

Date: 11-13-13

Message: Dear Jan and family, We have had you all in our thoughts and prayers for this tough journey you have been on.  We keep in touch with Kay so are aware of the wonderful care and counsel you have had the good fortune to receive at Rochester and the transplant house.  When I read the obituary on line I was reminded that Bob lead a good life and has some fine legacies.  He will be greatly missed and was greatly loved.  May he rest in peace and may you all find strength to carry on as he would desire you to do so.  His middle name is one of our grandson's who is seven today.  Emmett is a good strong name.

Our love and sympathy to all of you.  John and Joann Lawrence Fargo

***

Name: Deb Hoffman

Date: 11/12/2013

Message: Dear Jan & family...My heart is heavy hearing the news of Bob's passing. What a gracious and awesome person. He always rose to the occasion, and his sense of humor will be one of my most wonderful memories of him. Bob helped me through some difficult times and made it seem easy. I will miss that smile. Take care and cherish the memories.

***

Name: Travis Lies

Date: November 12, 2013

Message: To family of Bob, your loss is and will be felt and shared by many.  It has been a long time since I've seen Bob and many of you but I remember you like it was yesterday.

My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of sadness in missing Bob but also the celebration of his life.

Travis Lies

***

Name: Leona (Dyrness) Fox

Date: Novemeber 12, 2013

Message: Dear Jan and all of Bob's family and friends, The world has lost a true gentleman and he will be missed by all who knew him! Bob's smile was infectious and his jokes were the best! I never saw him when he didn't have a kind "hello" or words of cheer to make you feel welcome. May God give you strength to accept Bob's passing and may you all enjoy the "gift" of wonderful memories he leaves behind!
Leona (Dyrness) Fox.

***

Name: Ralph Dyrness

Date: 11-12-13

Message: Our sincere condolences. Please know that you are each in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph n Jean Dyrness