Dennis M. Manderfield

Dennis M. Manderfield, 92, of Menasha, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29 after spending a wonderful and very special weekend with his wife and family in his home.  

Dennis was born on September 11, 1931, the son of Frank and Marie Manderfield, in Brillion, Wisconsin.

Dennis was a loving husband to his wife Lois for 67 years. He took great pride in, and loved his 7 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family was his life. Dennis has quite a list of accomplishments throughout his life, but perhaps his proudest one was raising his youngest son Matt. Matt was born mentally challenged and it was Dennis’ love and patience that helped Matt learn to drive, work at the bakery and become the fine young man he is today.

Dennis was a true entrepreneur. He grew up working with his father, Frank, at the original Manderfield’s Home Bakery. After serving in the Korean War, Dennis came home to marry the love of his life, Lois and together in 1956, they opened Best Bakery in Menasha for 17 years. Dennis had no fears, he purchased the Broadway Tavern in Menasha, remodeled and opened the Old Grog. He then tried his hand at the Auto Spray and Body Shop which brought new technology to this area. It was in 1979 that he and Lois chose to go back to what he enjoyed most, baking. Manderfield’s Home Bakery reopened on Calumet St. in Appleton. It was there that he found he could share his knowledge, passion and love of baking with his family. Dennis’ baking talents and reputation was respected by many of the finest bakers in the industry. In 2001 he was inducted into the “Wisconsin Baker’s Hall of Fame”. Dennis never officially retired, his love and passion for the family business remained close to his heart and always in his thoughts. He maintained a deep interest in the baking industry and the trends. 

Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Menasha. In 1987, his alma mater recognized and awarded him the “Achievement Award”. He never hesitated to contribute or donating back to the community. His generosity and compassion for his family, friends, employees and community was his gift. Dennis poured his heart and soul into being a good husband and father and we can proudly say, he was a great man! 

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Lois Manderfield, and children, Michael Manderfield, Lisa (Marve) Ohlson, Jeff (Sara) Manderfield, Paul (Lori) Manderfield, Doug Manderfield, Jerry (Deanna) Manderfield and Matt Manderfield. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Dennis will be missed by his brother, Jerry Manderfield, sisters Lori (Ronald) Coopman, Terry Roeder and Marian Steffen. Dennis was preceded in death by his sister Inez (Duke) Rabideau and daughter-in-law Cheri (Mike) Manderfield. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the Wichmann - Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St., Menasha, WI. 54952, beginning at 4:00 PM and concluding with a prayer service at 7 PM. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Tuesday morning August 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at St. John’s Catholic Church, located at 516 DePere Street in Menasha. With Fr. Michael Lightner officiating.  Visitation will resume on Tuesday morning at the church at 9:00 AM and continue until the time of the mass.

 In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to “Feeding America.”