Phyllis Manges

Phyllis Irene Manges, 86, of Bremen, rejoined her beloved husband Gene when she peacefully took her last breath at 12:40 a.m., Tuesday October 19, 2021, in Signature Health Care of Bremen where she was recuperating after one of many back surgeries. Phyllis was born on June 21, 1935 in Rochester, Indiana as the 6th of thirteen children born to the late Rex and Beulah (Bryant) Wood. The family later moved to Osceola, Indiana. Phyllis graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1953 where she enjoyed business classes. On May 1, 1955 Phyllis married Gene Manges in Bremen, Indiana after being introduced to him at a Rural Youth square dance. The two enjoyed 63 years of marriage until Gene’s death in 2018. In 1973 they purchased a home in the town of Bremen where Phyllis remained even after Gene’s death, continuing to enjoy the home which they had renovated together over the years. One of the highlights of each year for Phyllis was a parade watching party at her home which sits on a prime corner of Bremen’s annual parade route. Phyllis was cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She was always ready with a helping hand and especially enjoyed sharing food with others. She loved to bake and was known for her delicious pies and cookies. Another specialty was her chicken ‘n noodles which always tasted better when she made them. Her Whoopie Pies were highly sought after in the annual Service Auction at the Bremen Church of the Brethren where she was a long-time member. Phyllis was also a talented seamstress who created many lovely dresses, etc. for her daughters, nieces, and granddaughters. She worked as an industrial sewer for many years in Nappanee although in the years directly preceding her retirement she enjoyed working at Meister’s in Bremen laying out the weekly ads. Phyllis was a whiz with crochet hooks and created dozens and dozens of afghans for all occasions including weddings, births, and kids going off to college (created in the corresponding school colors). She also crocheted gorgeous doll clothes for various size dolls which many family members and friends cherish knowing that each stitch flowed from Phyllis’ capable hands and her heart full of love. Phyllis eventually had to give up crocheting because of tremors in her hands but she kept herself busy completing Word finds and jigsaw puzzles. The local Dairy Queen may notice a slight drop in business as Phyllis’ favorite meal was their chicken strip basket with gravy, Diet Pepsi, and a strawberry sundae. Phyllis is survived by her three children, Steve (Karen) Manges of Huntington, Kathy (David) Kolbe of Claypool, and Jill (Dick) Balmer of Bremen; 13 grandchildren, Chris (Chandra) Manges, Matt (Beth) Manges, Brent (Becca) Manges, Dan Kolbe, Bryan (Catie) Kolbe, Aaron Kolbe, Bekah Kolbe, Nathan Kolbe, Stephen Kolbe, Matt Kolbe, Valerie Unruh, Amanda (Keoni) Webster and Brooke (Cory) Wiley; and 16 great grandchildren. She is also survived by six sisters, Pat Ruff and Martha (Bob) Brenneman of Osceola, Jane (Don) Slane of Fort Wayne, Gloria Newcomer of Jimtown, Karen Swank of Walkerton, and Norma Peachey of Tampa, Florida; three brothers, Ross (Judy) Wood of Mishawaka, Don Wood of Granger, Jerry (Barb) Wood of Osceola; and sister-in-law Wanda Wood of Osceola. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, several in-laws, and a grand-child. Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00 pm on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Bremen Church of the Brethren, 921 Woodies Lane, Bremen followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery. Memorials to Bremen Church of the Brethren.