Kenneth Gordon Manning, 83

Kenneth Gordon Manning, 83, passed away on July 1, 2014, at the Brendan House in Kalispell.

He was born on March 15, 1931, in Minneapolis.

As a young teenager he moved to Kalispell to escape the city. After meeting Marge, they were married on March 3, 1947, in Polson; it was a union to last 67 years. They had four children, Glenn, Gary, Steven and Susan.

With his love of cars he worked for several car dealerships in the valley until he developed his own, “Ken’s Kars.” Having a mind for business, he and Marge, along with partners, developed the lakeshore property on Foys Lake, Woodland Storage and Alpine Mobile Manor, where he and Marge have resided since 1971. He also played a significant role in founding and establishing Flathead Valley Christian School in the early 1980s. Having become a Christ follower in his later years, his Christian faith directed his life. “The Lord is good; His love is eternal and His faithfulness lasts forever.” Psalm 100:5. 

Ken enjoyed cars, model airplanes, water skiing and reading. Many pleasant years were spent at Foys Lake with the family camping, boating, skiing and ice skating.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Rose Manning; and sister, Elaine.

He is survived by his wife, Marge, at the family home; sons, Glenn of Kalispell, Gary and Sally of St. George Utah, Steven and Sharron of  Dayton, and Susan and John Sullivan of Kalispell; grandchildren, Jacey Barron, Trey Manning, Kamela Anderson, Kelsey Sullivan, Megan Warren and Sean Christiansen; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Virgil and Rosie Manning of Spokane, Marlene Garrison of Missoula, Don Manning, Maryann and Mike Manning, and Jeannie and Don Nelson, all of Kalispell, and Kathy and Paul Nockleby of St. Paul, Minn.

Memorials may be made to Stillwater Christian School, 255 FFA Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901 or a memorial of their choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 7 at the Church of the Nazarene on Whitefish Stage. A reception will follow the service. 

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ken’s family.