Donald Nicholas Manusos

Don is preceded in death by his mother, father, and younger brother Jim. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Charlene Wagner Manusos; children Nicholas Manusos (Lauren), Charles (Bud) Manusos (Joann), Jamie McKeown (Joe); sister Martha Mensching (Jim), seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Don was born on July 7th, 1937, in Chicago Illinois, to Edith and Nicholas Manusos. Don grew up on the north side of Chicago with his younger sister and brother. A true Chicagoan, Don often cut class to take the Addison bus to watch his beloved Cubs play at Wrigley Field. Growing up, Don also loved to go to the theatre and watch serials, especially Flash Gordon. He’d take that love of adventurous cinema through his life, enjoying action movies or, as the family affectionally called them, “Papa movies.”

After graduating from Grayslake High School, Don served in the United States Navy. Upon his return, Don met the love of his life, Char in Fox Lake, Illinois, and they were married on October 11, 1958 in Grayslake, Illinois. During the kids’ younger years, Don thoroughly enjoyed coaching both softball and baseball. Always the sportsman, he loved hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, boating and races. Together, Don and Char were able to explore places throughout the world with family and friends. At 50, Don became “Papa,” and Papa always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren: Nick Jr., Lyndsie, Morgan, Ashley, Kiersten, Cole, and Brogan. Papa loved taking his grandchildren on the boat, be it the Chain O’ Lakes, IL or the SW Florida Gulf waters. He taught them how to bait squid and catch grouper and snapper. One of many favorite family pastimes included watching Papa clean and cook the fish caught on the boat, reminiscing and hearing stories over a crackling pan.

Don and Char were true partners in life, in business and pleasure, and they’d become a foundation stone of the entire family, who adored them. In 1992, they started Manusos General Contracting Inc., a successful family business that continues to this day. Don was beloved and respected by all, known for being big-hearted, fair, and hard-working. Upon retirement, nothing pleased him more than relaxing with a cold Corona poolside at their Florida house.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to the Don Manusos Memorial Fund at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in St. James City, FL, and/or the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva, WI. Don’s family will celebrate his life at a to-be-determined time and place(s).