Ashton J. Mahnke, age 82, a Manitowoc resident, entered into eternal life Monday evening, February 27, 2012 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc.

Ashton was born on May 24, 1929 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Herbert J. and Blanche Wilda Mahnke. Ashton was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1947. Following graduation he served with the United States Army for two years and then after his honorable discharge Ashton continued his education at the Fond du Lac School of Business. On July 10, 1954 he married Mary Lou Bartelme. Ashton was employed at First National Bank, retiring after 41 years of service.

Ashton is a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and in previous years a member of the former Holy Innocents Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Elks Club, the Amvets, past member of the Lions Club and treasurer of the Lakeshore Visually Impaired Support Group (Braille Club). He enjoyed golf, fishing and being a Green Bay Packer season ticket holder for many years, but above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Mary Lou; seven daughters: Diane (Steve) Sassman, Crystal Lake, IL; Gail (Mark) Haller, Menomonee Falls, WI; Judith Mahnke, Fond du Lac, WI; Lynn (Steve) Reed, Broadlands, VA; Beth (Steve) Workman, Purcellville, VA; Kaye Mahnke, Milwaukee, WI; Sue (Todd) Soczka, Wauwatosa, WI: ten grandchildren: Melissa (Nate) Kauffman; Michael (Andrea) Brixius; Trenton, Hanna and Logan Reed; Max, Jack and Grady Workman; Eliza and Adam Soczka; one sister: Janet Franzen, Manitowoc, WI; one nephew: Craig Kazda, Manitowoc, WI; along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Dean Mahnke; one sister and brother-in-law: Edith and Clarence Kadza, Manitowoc, WI; one brother-in-law: Al Franzen, Manitowoc, WI.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1418 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. Richard Klingeisen. Cremation will have taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with entombment of the cremated remains at Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Grand on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00. Following the services there will be a luncheon for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.

Memorials would be appreciated for Lakeshore Visually Impaired Support Group (Braille Club), St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, or a donation in Ashton's name to a favorite charity.

Special thanks to the staff at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center for the outstanding, compassionate care of Ashton and his family.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.