Michael Ervin Mcmanigal

Michael Ervin McManigal, age 66, was born to Catherine (DeWitt) and Jenty McManigal, Jr. Michael was the 2nd eldest of 6 children. He was preceeded in death by his parents; grandparents, Marvin & Gertrude DeWitt, Jenty, Sr. & Edna McManigal; and step-father, Roy Murphy.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sandra McManigal; daughters, Mandi Malnack of Crescent, IA and Shannon (Chris) Bishop of Griswold, IA; his trusty hunting buddy labrador, Buckeroo II; grandchildren, Kegan, Paige, Ashley, Jeremiah, Kora, Elijah; sisters, Cindy (Frank) Schmader, Sandy (Rich) Forristall, Susie (Mike) Enewold, all of Council Bluffs, IA; brothers, Marvin (Linda) McManigal of Glenwood, IA, Patrick (Carrie) McManigal of Wisconsin; step-brothers, David Murphy of Lincoln, NE, Stan (Joi) Murphy of Oklahoma; step-sisters, Debbie Murphy (Dennis Wattier ) of Omaha, NE, Susan Murphy (Dan Watson) of Arizona, Denise (Karl) Fricke of Council Bluffs, IA; a host of other family and friends.

Mike resided in the Council Bluffs area where he attended Lewis Central High School, graduating in 1972. He was actively involved in football and wrestling and it is where he met some of his lifelong friends and wife, Sandra. Mike chose not to go to college despite his offers to play college football. He chose to move to the Chicago area to pursue a career in mechanics. He quickly returned to the Council Bluffs area. He and the love of his life, Sandra, were wed August 4, 1973. They had 2 daughters, Mandi and Shannon. He became a grandfather in 1995, a role he was extremely fond of. He spent time teaching each grandchild how to fish, hunt, camp and appreciate the great outdoors. He took great joy in the time spent with them. Mike was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his brothers and other friends and family. He also raced motorcycles at a young age starting with flat track progressing to moto-cross and onto drag racing. He was a big Nascar fan and enjoyed traveling to races with his friends and family.

Mike worked as a mechanic straight out of highschool specializing in diesel and refrigeration units. He eventually established a partnership in Crescent,IA where he lived, named Crescent Repair, offering a wide range of mechanic services close to home. Mike closed that business in 2012 and was diagnosed shortly after with early onset dementia which progressed to Alzheimers over an 8 year period. He entered into care at Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, IA in late 2018 where he remained until his passing at CHI Health/Mercy hospital on April 17, 2020, his wife and daughters at his side. Mike was well known and respected in the community. He was known for his infectious smile, laughter and sense of humor. He made the best of every situation, remaining positive and supportive for everyone in his life to lean on. Mike left an overwhelming legacy and will be missed by so many.