Thomas Mantke

Thomas A. Mantke, 60, of Niles, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, June 22, 2018.

He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan May 3, 1958, to Margaret Mannix Mantke and Alan W. Mantke.

Thomas was preceded in death by his Father, Alan W. Mantke.

Surviving Tom are his mother, Margaret Husa of Lawrence, MI and step father, James J. Husa; brothers, Larry H. (Vickie) Mantke of Niles and Christopher D.(Patty) Mantke of Michigan; cousins, Laura (Scott) Rosenhagen of Berrien Springs, Linda (Leonard) Dolezan of Benton Harbor and Michael Mantke of St. Joseph, Mi. Also surviving are step brothers James Husa, Jr., Mark Husa, Charles Husa, and step sister Jacqueline Solosky as well as nieces Samantha, Adriana, and Andrea Mantke and nephew Brandon Mantke ,Niles, and Uncle Brian (Daisy)Bright of Niles.

In the mid ‘70’s, Tom was a member of Beyond Our Control, the locally infamous Junior Achievement television project in which high school students produced a comedy television show on WNDU TV. Tom was a talented writer – one of BOC’s finest - and could ad-lib comedy on-camera. He is fondly remembered by his fellow BOCers as a razor wit, and loved for all kinds of obscure knowledge. He was “Google” before there was “Google”. In the pre-internet days, when a question needed an answer – Call Mantke!

Tom returned to the Niles area after working twenty years in the television industry. Tom also enjoyed reading, and was a fan of the “Simpsons” television show.

A memorial service will take place on July 14, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Niles, MI, 219 S. State St., with calling one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Niles, or the Berrien County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.halbritterwickens.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.