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Francis (Frank) Joseph Mankus

Frank died at home in Orr on Sunday, October 18, 2009.

He was born at home in Buyck on January 29, 1932, to John and Anna (Laske Gruska) Mankus. He attended the Buyck School and graduated from Orr High School in 1950. He worked for his brother Stanley Gruska at Stanley's Marine in Hibbing until he entered the Navy in 1952. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1956.

On September 21, 1957, he married Mabel Marcon who was teaching at the Buyck School. Over the years they lived in Hibbing MN, Rice Lake WI, Buyck MN, and Orr MN where they raised their four children. In addition to working at Stanley's Marine, he worked for Wally's Auto, started Frank's Marine in Orr, and drove school bus for Orr School and trucks for various road construction companies.

His first wife Mabel died on August 8, 1988. He married Linda Mae Christianson Slatinski on March 31, 1990.

Frank loved the outdoors. He hunted, fished, and camped whenever he could. One of his favorite places was Lac La Croix, Where he traveled by boat to camp and fish with his family. When it became part of the BWCAW Frank and his family bought canoes and continued to camp and fish every year. He also loved working on and repairing salvaged vehicles even after he retired. The family joke has been, " Don't stop at Dads if you don't have time for him to insist on checking all fluids on your car and oiling all door hinges!" He loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially giving them 4-wheeler rides. He also loved traveling the country and dancing at polka fests with his wife Linda.

He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1974 and served for many years as a Ministerial Servant in the Cook Congregation

He is survived by his wife, Linda; three sons and their wives, Mike (Mickey Maki) Mankus of Iron, Paul (Sharron Carlberg) Mankus of Baudette, and John (Kim Hexum) Mankus of Cook; daughter Claire Chosa of Cook; stepson John (Beth Brokaw) Slatinski IV of International Falls; stepdaughter Stacey (Bob) Slatinski Leseman of International Falls; brother Len (Evie Zick) Mankus of Orr; grandkids Jenny Mankus of Singapore, Brian Mankus of Eveleth, Sarah Mankus of Baudette, Skeeter and Hanna Mankus of Cook, GeorgieAnne & John (Jake) Slatinski V, and Wyatt & Morgunn Leseman.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Mabel, parents John and Anna Mankus, brothers Stanley Gruska and John and Raymond Mankus.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at 2:00 pm in the Orr High School Gymnasium.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share remembrances of Frank on-line, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Facts

Born: January 29, 1932
Place of Birth: Buyck, MN USA
Death: October 18, 2009
Place of Death: Orr, MN
Occupation: Turck Driver, business owner/operator
Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Loved the outdoors

Services Memorial Service

Saturday October 24, 2009 , 2:00 p.m. at Orr High School