Eric Allen Mantzke

We are devastated by the sudden passing of Eric Allen Mantzke on July 20, 2024. Eric was a dedicated Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Follower of Christ. 

Eric was born in Sparta, WI on February 24, 1959 to Ralph and Shelby Mantzke. He attended Onalaska Luther High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Eric moved to Appleton, WI in 1982 to begin his career with Thrivent (formerly AAL). At AAL, Eric met his wife Debra Mantzke (Van Fossen) and they married on October 4, 1986 at St. Pius X Church, where Eric was a dedicated and active member. Their marriage was very blessed with 3 children, their spouses, and grandchildren. Eric treasured time with his family! Eric was very proud of Craig, Kristin and Brent and took so much joy in their activities and accomplishments. And now, Eric cherished being “grandpa” and the grandkids lit up around him! Eric loved being down on the floor with the grandkids playing with the toys, wrestling, doing puzzles, reading to them and watching Disney movies together. Vacations with family brought Eric so much happiness. The annual Minocqua family vacation was a treasured tradition. Eric enjoyed getting up early to perch fish in his boat and taking the family on boat rides. The grandkids loved getting to sit on grandpa’s lap and “drive”. 

Eric was the epitome of servant leadership. Endlessly kind, a great listener and our rock, strong and steady. A calming presence. We will miss his humor and the helping hand he was always willing to lend. A man of true character. 

Eric retired in 2020, having worked in IT/Project Management for his entire career. 

Eric had a passion for all things sports! He played basketball, football, track, baseball, and softball and was competitive in everything he did. As an athlete he loved wearing his lucky number 12, and he proudly displayed ‘EAM 12’ on his truck license plate. Eric loved coaching his kids’ sports teams and became the great “Coach Mantzke” to many kids throughout the years. 

Eric prioritized fitness. Since 1982 he was a regular at the YMCA almost every morning! Eric enjoyed playing golf, reading, watching movies, biking, tending to his lawn and gardening. He was great at meticulously recording and analyzing statistics. Eric was an avid Packers, Badgers and Brewers fan. Eric loved to travel! He and Debbie were blessed to take many special vacations. 

Above everything, Eric loved God and family. 

Eric is survived by his beloved wife Debbie Mantzke; their children, Craig (Crystal) Mantzke, Kristin (Michael) Mortenson, and Brent (Cora) Mantzke; Grandchildren, Samuel Mantzke, Maxwell and Annie Mortenson, and Baby Boy expected by Brent and Cora later this year. 

He is further survived by his mother; his siblings Denise (Peter) Lukasek, Jeff (Katie) Mantzke, and Karl Mantzke; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mike and Patti Van Fossen and Steve and Linda Van Fossen. 

Eric was preceded in death by his father, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Joyce Van Fossen. 

Eric will also be greatly missed by his extended family and many friends. 

Well done, my good and faithful servant. 

Services for Eric will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church (500 West Marquette St., Appleton, WI 54914) on Sunday, July 28th, 2024. Visitation will be from 12:30 pm until 2:45 pm followed by Mass at 3:00 pm. Eric will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Appleton, WI. 

Thank you to the emergency responders and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital emergency room staff.