John E. Manninen, age 86, of 4889 Co. Rd. SC in Cornell (Watson), passed away Friday morning, November 10, 2017 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. He was born on May 5, 1931 in Escanaba, the son of Edwin and Jenny (Kelloniemi) Manninen. John attended school in Watson and graduated from Gwinn High School in 1949. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 28, 1952. John served as a medic during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged on February 19, 1954. He married the former Marilyn Trenary on October 28, 1961 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock. Together, the couple shared 56 years of marriage and raised two children. John worked as a miner for Mather “B” Mine in Negaunee, MI for a few years. He then was employed with the Marquette County Road Commission for 33 years until his retirement in 1986. John was a founding member of the Wells Township Park Commission, was a member of the Wells Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Gwinn VFW, and the Escanaba River American Legion Post #117. He recently received an award as a 50-year member of the American Legion where he received a flag that was flown over the capital. John was very proud to be a veteran and to have served for his country. He was an avid bowler for 16 years, and enjoyed everything the outdoors had to offer – especially fishing, hunting, and feeding the birds and squirrels.

John E. Manninen is survived by wife, Marilyn of Watson; daughter, Bonnie (Daryl) Leppinen of Rock; son, Terry “Chella” Manninen of Watson; foster daughter, Barbara of Escanaba; three foster grandchildren; sister-in-law, Patricia Manninen of Watson; and dog, Harley.

John was preceded in death by father, Edwin Manninen; mother, Jenny Manninen Maki; step-father, Arnold Maki; sisters, Dorothy Swalin, and Lorraine Derryberry; and brother, Marvin Manninen.

Veterans services and burial will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Watson in the spring of the year. 

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