Janet Lou Manning, age 74, died on February 10, 2024. She was born on September 5, 1949 in Watseka, IL to Delbert and Loretta Koch Sprehe on Labor Day and her parent’s 4th anniversary. Her twin sister Janice made a surprise appearance a few minutes later. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She lived her love of the Lord in her life. She always acknowledged that God was in control of her life.
Her family moved to Oakley, Ks when she was 2 years old to purchase the Coast-to-Coast Store. She was educated in the Oakley school system and graduated from Oakley High School in 1967. She continued her education at Fort Hays State University and graduated in 1971.
She met William (Bill) Manning at FHSU and they were married on May 10, 1972 in Topeka, KS so that her uncle Arlen Bruns could perform the ceremony. They moved to Norton in 1974. She worked at Ideal Truck Lines, City of Norton, Manning Office Supply and End Zone. Three children were born to this union, Ryan, Chad and Candace. She was a Homemaker during the years her children were growing up.
She was active in the church and it’s organizations, Norton Cares, and had served on the Norton Public Library Board. She bowled in a league for many years and loved it. She also loved to read and sing. She was a long-time member of the church choir. Family was very important to Janet and she attended as many of her grandchildren’s activities as possible. She was an avid Bluejay sports fan.
Janet was preceded in death by daughter Candace Manning Willour, parents Delbert and Loretta Sprehe, parents-in-law Sam and Bonnie Manning, brother-in-law David Kruse.
She is survived by husband Bill Manning; children Ryan (Staci) Manning and Chad (Erin) Manning; son-in-law Garrett Willour; twin Janice (Lee) Russell all from Norton; sisters Betty Kruse; Colby, Nancy Sprehe, Colby, Barbara (Charlie) Baalmann, Grinnell; sister-in-law Sammye (Harold) Klee, Charlottesville, VA; grandchildren Matt and Logan Willour, Reilly, Rob, Ryann, Carly, Avery and Campbell Manning, all from Norton; many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 am Friday, February 16, 2024 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Norton. Inurnment will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Norton County, KS. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Thursday, February 15, 2024 also at the church. The family would prefer memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Norton Cares in lieu of flowers, they may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com