Michael Franklin Manion

Michael F. Manion, age 63 of Cudahy, WI formerly of Clinton, IA passed away peacefully at Zilber Family Hospice on October 4 after a brief battle with cancer.

Mike was born in Clinton, IA to Martin and Dorothy (nee Quathamer) Manion on December 27, 1958. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Clinton, IA in 1977. During high school Mike excelled at track, basketball and football. Mike continued his love of high school sports by following his favorite local teams either in the stands or following them on the radio or TV.

Mike moved to Wisconsin in 1982 and began working as a Train Carman. He worked for various rail companies including Cudahy Car Shop until it was acquired by Watco in 2014. He continued working at Watco until his death. Although Mike did not get to follow through with his plans of retiring in January and traveling in his camper van while he wandered Wisconsin and beyond, we can only imagine he is on the best adventure of his life right now.

Prior to becoming ill, Mike enjoyed fishing, watching horse racing, auto racing, the Tour de France, golf ,or  any sport for that matter and politics. Mike may have lived a simple life, but it suited him just fine. He was always willing to help someone out. His niece and nephews that lived in Cudahy, were the recipients of his generosity, love and experiences their whole life…a gift in itself!

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Dorothy, sister Jane Brown, brother-in-law Dale Day, and father-in-law Gordon Keup. He is survived by his beloved wife Sheryl (nee Keup),Cudahy, WI siblings Nancy Manion, (Beloit,WI) Jim (Debby) Manion, (Clinton, IA) Margaret “Peggy” Day, (Clinton, IA) and Mary Willrett, (Camanche,IA). Mike is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sue Keup, sister-in-law, Jackie Schulz and brother-in-law, Eric Keup all of Horicon, WI. Further survived by several nieces, nephews and many other close friends and relatives.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21 with a service following at

4:30 p.m. at Max A Sass and Sons 8910 W. Drexel Avenue, Franklin WI 53132

The family would like to thank the Oncology physicians, nurses and staff at St. Luke’s and the staff at Zilber Family Hospice for their care and support of Mike.