J.M. Manley

     J. Michael “Mike” Manley passed peacefully to his eternal home on Monday, June 23, 2025, with his wife and daughter by his side.  Mike was born to James and Mary (Creviston) Manley on January 6, 1937, in Anderson, Indiana.  He graduated from St. Mary’s High School where he enjoyed playing on the baseball and basketball teams.  From there Mike attended Notre Dame, graduating in 1959.  He was commissioned an officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving three years primarily at Camp Pendleton, California.  After his honorable discharge he returned to Notre Dame and took a position at Fides Publishers.  In 1971 Mike purchased Aquinas Book Shop which he owned for 43 years.  During that time he had some wonderful employees and many loyal customers who were like family to him.

     On August 16, 1958, Mike married Loretta Wnukowski at St. Ambrose Church in Anderson, Indiana.  It must have been “a match made in heaven” because they met in first grade, grew up together, and shared a loving married life for 66 years.  They were devoted to each other and their family.  To the end, Mike called Loretta “his bride.”  She survives along with their children:  Jeffrey (Robin Gilson) Manley of Phoenix, Arizona, and Laura (Mark) Werner of Mishawaka.  He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren:  Jessica Manley of Mexico City, Kristin (Dave) Mishler of South Bend, Rachel Manley of Phoenix, Shannon (Douglas Aaron) Manley of New York City, Erinn (Jonathan Morlan) MacMillan of Michigan City and Michael Manley of Phoenix.  Also surviving are six great-grandchildren:  Noah, Gideon, Scarlett, Eleanor, Westen, and JR, and three sisters Patricia Short of Indianapolis, Mary Boots of Nashville, Indiana, Sarah (Gary) Haven also of Nashville.

     Mike was an avid reader, enjoyed working in his yard, but most of all he loved fishing and spent many happy years on his pontoon at Diamond Lake.

     Per Mike’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Church with a memorial Mass and celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.  The interment of his cremains will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana.

     To honor Mike’s memory please say a prayer for him.

Memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Center for Hospice Care.

     Mike leaves behind a wonderful legacy of faith and devotion to his family.  He will always remain in the hearts of those who love him.

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