Wilbur Mann

Wilbur Clayton Mann, 91, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on June 3, 2011, of complications from a stroke at his assisted living home. Wilbur was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1919 on a farm in Jordan township west of Soldier, Iowa. He was the fourth child of Charles Bert and Ida Helen (Holverson) Mann. Wilbur attended Jordan #8 country school and graduated from Moorhead Public High School in 1936. He attended one year of Graceland College at Lamoni, Iowa. Wilbur fell in love with and married Leone Marie Fredrickson on June 19, 1941, at Moorhead. To this union, two sons and two daughters would be born. With World War II in progress, Wilbur enlisted in the U.S. Naval Seabee's on January 22, 1941 but couldn't serve his tour of duty overseas because he contracted German measles. Wilbur spent the remainder of his enlistment as a teletype operator at Camp Peary, VA until he was discharged on Dec. 1, 1945. After his discharge from service, Wilbur worked for two years at Weldon Bee Farms. In 1953, they moved from their farm in Ute to the Mann family farm southeast of Moorhead. Wilbur was an Elder in the RLDS church and served many years as pastor at Moorhead and Pisgah. Wilbur was very active in many community organizations including 12 years on the school board, director of Monona County R.E.C., and was the Southeast District County Supervisor of Monona County for 16 years. Wilbur was an active member of the Republican party, American Legion, and charter member of the Loess Hills Historical Society. He retired from farming in 1985 and they moved into Moorhead. Having all the children and grandchildren come together at their home was the highlight of each year. Wilbur enjoyed playing High 5 cards, Mexican Train Dominoes, and singing. He would sing while doing chores, in community choirs, and also sang solos at church and for numerous events. He taught the grandchildren his fun songs like "Ain't We Crazy", "Way Out West In Kansas", "I'm My Own Grandpa", and "My Grandfather's Clock". Wilbur and Leone moved to Desert Shadows Retirement Park in 2004 where they enjoyed attending the Interdenominational Services at the park, and the Thunderbird Community of Christ Church.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his wife, Leone Mann and his son, Paul Mann. He is survived by his son, Dennis Mann, daughters, Marianne (Larry) Petersen and Kathleen (Jerry) Shaw; daughter-in-law, Lola Mann; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Shirley (Chick) Jordan and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Wilbur will be greatly missed by his large extended family and friends. We will cherish our memories of him telling stories of the past and know he is singing now in the choir of angels.