John Manahl

John Edwin Manahl, loving husband of 58 years to Betty Jo (Griffin), passed into the arms of our Lord on September 17, 2011. Born at his parents home in Dubuque, Iowa on December 21, 1932. Ed graduated from St. Columbkille's High School in Dubuque, then enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States on June 9, 1953. He was stationed at Ft. Mott under the Nike Missile program and while there, was introduced to Betty Jo by a mutual friend. They married on March 5, 1955 at her parents home on Cherry Street in Pedricktown, New Jersey. They moved to Dubuque briefly and returned to live in Penns Grove before settling in Pedricktown.Known to many as Big Ed, he also had a big heart. He would do anything to help you if you needed it, and was involved in many community groups throughout his life. Ed was a Cub Scout Pack leader, he served as the Oldmans Township School Board President, was on the Democrat Club, the Veterans Association, he was a DuPont Union representative, in the JayCees, and he was a member of the DuPont men's softball league. He was active in his support of his children throughout their various activities and academics.While in the service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He served until his Honorable Discharge in 1961 as a Corporal. He had also served in the Iowa National Guard Reserve.Ed worked for DuPont at Plant One in Carneys Point and Repano in Gibbstown until his retirement in 1990. He also had his own upholstery business, which he retired from in 1990.Ed was the beloved dad to Kenneth Andrew (Lorrie Grasso), Sharon Lee (Mark Jennings), Lawrence David, Denise Marie (Charles Priest), and Douglas John Remper.Adored Pop-Pop of Megan Kyle, Kelly Laine, and Kirsten Lorraine Manahl, Rachel Christine and Craig Allen Rempfer, Veronica Leigh Priest, and his newborn great-granddaughter, Ava Lee Fredo.Ed loved to crab, fish, clam, travel, go camping, and being outdoors. Everyday he would work in his garden or in the yard. He was an avid fan of the Flyers, Phillies, and Eagles, and an excellent solver of crossword puzzles of all kinds. He also enjoyed card games, puzzles, and bluegrass music.He is survived by his sisters Mary Louise (George Wood, deceased) of Birchwood, WI, Rita Mae (James Weber) of Arizona, Janice Margaret (Morris Blum) of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" and Joyce Marie (Dennis Wiltfang) of Dubuque, IA, and many nieces and nephews.Ed was predeceased by his parents, Oliver David and Ethel Lillian (Taylor), his brothers, Roger David and Robert Paul, and his sisters, Dolores Jean (Tom Bridges, deceased), and Virginia Irene "Ginger" (Gerald Kuntz).In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ed's name to the American Diabetes Foundation or the charity of choice, or help someone you know who may be in need.Cremation will be provided by Ashcraft Funeral Home with no burial to follow. A private memorial will be held by the family.

John Manahl

December 21, 1932 - September 17, 2011