To Donald Ross Mann, my father (1925-2017)
Saturday we are interring my Dad's ashes in the family cemetery in Illinois. This is the eulogy I will be giving:
On April 10th, Donald Ross Mann, born on a farm in Kankakee County to Clair and Effie Mann in 1925, ended a long and productive life.
Dad leaves behind his wife Hoppy of almost 63 years, and four kids - Sue, Cindy, Jeff and Jon and 5 Grand-Children – Stephanie, Eric, Steve, Greg and Jared. Dad joins his grand-daughter Adrienne in heaven.
My Dad was raised on a farm in Rockville Township, helping his father and grandfather run two farms, one of which has been in the family since 1840.
Dad started school at the one-room Mann Schoolhouse just down the road from the farm. Dad started college at the University of Illinois in 1942, when he was just 17. Dad's schooling was interrupted by WWII, drafted into the Army. My great-grandpa had a stroke while Dad was in basic training, so the Army sent my Dad to help Grandpa farm the two farms. After WWII, Dad went back to U of I, and obtained a Agricultural Degree. While at U of I, he found a second home at the Wesley Foundation He was called to become a minister, and enrolled at Garrett Theological Seminary, which shared a campus with Northwestern.
There he met a Northwestern grad student nicknamed Hoppy. Love blossomed and after both graduated, they were married on August 8, 1954 in Philadelphia.
Dad served many churches throughout central Illinois in his almost 40 years of ministering. He was beloved by his congregations, and was a dedicated pastor - whether preaching a sermon, comforting the trouble, visiting the sick, Dad was there. Dad was at heart a very ecumenical pastor, willing to tend to whom ever needed it, Methodist or not. Whether it was a wedding, baptism, hospital visit or funeral, if someone wanted God’s presence, Dad was happy to oblige.
Dad was especially interested in using the outdoors to further his ministry. Dad was very active in the Methodist youth camps, running several different summer camps. He was instrumental is the running of Camp Quest near Clinton until it was sold to make way for Lake Clinton – and then on to East Bay Camp near Bloomington.
Dad never strayed from his farming roots, spending much time gardening - raising pretty much anything that would grow in Illinois. The basement of whatever house we lived in was filled with home-canned vegetables, spaghetti sauces, pickles, etc.
The family camping vacation was a staple of Life growing up. We would load up the station wagon, use dad's custom built kitchen cabinets that fit in the back, with his roof rack he built and hit the road from Washington to Massachusetts and points in-between.
After retirement, Dad stayed busy with his garden, growing far more food than my parents could eat - sharing the excess with neighbors and food banks. Dad also spent many hours at the Waverly Public Library, re-cataloging the entire library, and many other tasks needed.
His grandchildren were a special joy – he loved spoiling them, helping them walk, learn crafts, read – anything he could spend time with them, he was there.
Dad and Mom traveled extensively via Elderhostels.
Dad - you are loved and missed. Thank you for everything you did for me. Whether it was staying up with me downstairs when I was having problems breathing, and didn’t want to be alone, driving me weekly to Peoria for shots, or advising me on life in College and beyond, your calm and steady nature was a great influence on my life.
Love you always
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