:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/JGV6GKU7YX5YSPCLN2ZLROLJEU.jpg)
CHANA – Joseph David "Joe" Mann, cherished husband and loving father, grandfather, and brother, went home to be with the Lord at his home, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, surrounded by family, after a brief illness.
Joe was born Feb. 24, 1953, in Binghamton, New York, to William Richard Mann Sr. and Dorothea Mae Mann (née, Lewis) He was a graduate of Chenango Valley High School, and joined the Army in 1970. Joe served his country during the Vietnam era, and in recent years, served as a member of the American Legion, helping his fellow veterans. Joe had made Illinois his home since the late '70s. He was a member and past deacon of Elim Reformed Church. He volunteered his time as manager of The King’s Camp. Joe's working life spanned jobs in the transportation, security, and machining industries. But he would be quick to tell anyone that his most recent work as a charter and school bus driver was the most enjoyable and rewarding, especially when children were his passengers. His great love of children was evident as he transported them on field trips, sport meets, class trips, etc. Joe lived a life devoted to his family. He and Julie built a loving home together, which quickly became the gathering place for family and friends. Joe always had a home project of some sort to work on, and was a skilled craftsman who had a rare combination of skills that enabled him to not only conceptualize, but to design and build. Joe was a great friend. He never was too busy to help when called upon, and was so blessed with the friendship, caring, and generosity of his friends. His mischievous sense of humor and a welcoming embrace of people of every walk of life was treasured by family and friends, but especially by his grandchildren, who gave him many hours and years of love and joy.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Julie Tobler Mann; and his children and their families, Daniel (Leslie) Mann of Dixon and their children, Trevor, Audrey, and Owen; Darcie Mann of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and her children, Devin, Randall, and Maya; and Sheena (Dan) Hessler of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and their children, Devin, Carter, and Emma. Joe also is survived by his brother, William Richard Mann Jr. of Decatur; and sisters, Nancy Mann Adams of Binghamton, New York, and Patricia Mann Woolsey of Springfield, Virginia; brother- and sisters-in-law, Willa Hood, Carol Pretzer, Carol Tobler, Steve and Pam Tobler, and Sue and Phil Meister; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William Richard Mann Sr. and Dorothea Mae Mann; father- and mother-in-law, William and Olga Tobler; brothers-in-law, William F. Adams, James P. Woolsey, and Jerry Tobler; nieces, Jennifer Meister and Teresa Hood; and a nephew, William P. Adams.
A special thank-you to helpful caregivers, Andy, Jen, Tiffany, Linda Alderks, and the rest of the staff at Serenity Hospice & Home for making it possible for Joe to spend the last days of his life here on Earth at home. The family appreciates all the generous acts of support, encouragement, and prayers throughout Joe’s illness.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Oregon. A celebration of Joe's life will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Elim Church in Kings, with the Rev. Cary Winn, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at White Rock Cemetery in Kings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to any of the following organizations: Serenity Hospice & Home, Manitoqua Ministries, or The King’s Camp.
Go to farrellhollandgale.com to send condolences.