Paul Fredrick Manecke

Paul Fredrick Manecke passed away September 2, 2025, peacefully at home with family.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji with visitation one hour prior to the service at church.

Paul was born on April 18, 1937 in Bemidji to Fred and Nellie Manecke. He grew up in Bemidji and lived there until he graduated high school in 1956.  He enlisted in the Air Force where he was an Aviation Mechanic for 4 years.  He married Mary Anne Huffman in 1960 and had three daughters, Charlene, Peggy and Paula.  After his enlistment in the service, he moved to Becida where he was a Dairy Farmer for 25 years. During this time, Mary Anne passed away in 1969.  Through family Paul was introduced to Yolanda Narveaz. They courted over the phone and letters, though Paul not knowing Spanish and Yolanda little English.  They met face to face at the Minneapolis Airport and were married a month later, June 12, 1976. They had three children, Paul, Maria and Jesse.  After farming, Paul started work at Potlatch as a Debarker, until retirement.  He enjoyed golfing with his brothers, fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren.  Paul found a love for wood working and selling his crafts at many markets and fairs in the area.  Paul loved to travel and was able to fulfil the dream of going to Alaska. He enjoyed giving his time and service back to the community through the church.

Paul is survived by his wife Yolanda, daughter, Charlene Manecke, son Paul (Nicole) Manecke, Maria (Jeff) Zaharko, son Jesse (Anna) Manecke, and grandchildren, Braedon, Taylor, Samuel (Manecke), Dexter (Zaharko), and Ellie, Andrew, Emily (Manecke).  Brother Gene (Clara) Manecke, Sister-in-Law Vivian Manecke, Sister Karen Mielke and Sister-in-Law Louise (John) Cullen and several nieces and nephews.

Paul is preceded in death by his father Fred Manecke, mother Nellie Manecke, brother Leslie Manecke, brother Merle Manecke, sister Marlene (Pete) Hemker, brother-in-law Gerald (Butch) Mielke, spouse Mary Anne Huffman, and daughters Paula and Peggy Manecke.

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