Jack Mahnke

John “Jack” Mahnke, 85, of Sioux City, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 16, 2024, at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Jack was born April 6, 1938, in Sioux City, the son of John and Selma (Mettet) Mahnke. He grew up in the South Bottoms area of Sioux City, a place which held dear memories for him. In 1956, he graduated from Central High School. He then served in the United States Navy, as a hospital corpsman, stationed in Okinawa, the Philippines, and Taiwan. After his time in the service, Jack attended Universal Trade School in Omaha. He later returned to Sioux City, owned a gas station on Dace Avenue, then opened his own business, Mahnke’s Heating and Cooling, which proudly served Sioux City for over 25 years. He retired and sold his business in 1994, and then ventured into property ownership in Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff, which kept him busy in his later life.

On October 17, 1964, Jack married Linda Pauling in Paullina, IA. Together they were a dynamic team that left a lasting imprint on the lives they touched. A beautiful union that put family first while raising three children (Jamie, Lori, and Ryan) yet at the same time owning and operating their own business. It was clear that his family was the cornerstone of his happiness.

Jack was involved in his children’s activities. He coached softball and was a founding member of Siouxland Youth Athletics (SYA) and served on the board as Vice President. East High softball was a big part of his life as well, as a parent, grandparent, and volunteer. He also coached basketball during the early years of the formation of Hayworth Hoops.

On December 22, 2002, his partner and friend in life, Linda, passed away. His heart broken, he bravely began the next part of his life. During his 21 years after losing Linda, Jack was an extraordinary example of living with an open, loving heart, of courage and caring, and trying new things, all along keeping his sense of humor, which we all know and love. He began dancing at the Eagle’s Club, and wintering in Texas. He bought an RV and enjoyed fishing trips. His grandchildren were the heart of those years as well. He loved being their Bumpa, watching them grow up, and being involved in their lives.

We cannot also think of Jack without thinking of him as a friend, and the friendships he had throughout his life. Friends from playing fastpitch softball at Hubbard Park, coffee buddies, Central College softball friends, dancing friends, Texas friends. Too many to mention. With his fun-loving spirit, Jack made friends wherever he was and was loved by many.

Jack lived each of his 85 years to the fullest. He accomplished so much in life. All of us love Jack, whether he was a friend, coach, brother, husband, father, Bumpa. We all love him and will miss him.

Survivors include his children: Jamie (Chris) Zyzda, Sioux City and their children: Rylie and Nate; Lori (Brandon) Willis, Denver, CO and their child: Quinn; and Ryan Mahnke, Omaha, NE and his children: Landon and Carson; half brother Bob (Karen) Mahnke of Kirkland, WA, sister- in-law, LaDonna Pauling of Issaquah, WA, and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wife Linda, son Mark Mahnke, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Mary Kelly, his parents, step-father John Kelly, and Pauling in-laws (Lynny, Helen, Kenny, Del, Brad and Sharmalee).