Harlan Manke, 83, Owatonna

Harlan Ervin Manke (better known as Harley or Good Deal Harley as he liked to call himself) was born in Waseca to Ervin and Evelyn (Abbe) Manke on May 10, 1941. He passed away on May 3, 2025, at Benedictine Living Community, one week shy of his 84th birthday.

Harley spent his early childhood years at the Army base in Wendover, Utah before moving back to Owatonna with his parents after WWII. At the age of 6 Harley was in a terrible car accident when another car didn’t stop for a stop sign and hit his family’s car. The doctors wanted to amputate his leg but Grandpa Manke and Grandpa Abbe would not let them, so his leg is held together by rods and pins.

Harley graduated from Owatonna High School in 1959 and met Darlene Larson at a dance at Jewett’s Point and they were married on Sept. 29, 1963. They enjoyed dancing throughout much of their marriage.

At a young age Harley joined his father, uncles and grandfather working at Manke Service. He started driving the bulk truck before he had his driver’s license delivering gas to the area farmers. He enjoyed the trucking side of the business, but his childhood leg injury prevented him from going too far down that road, so he found his true calling which was sales. Harley thrived at sales, especially selling Wheel Horse tractors. At one point Harley was the biggest Wheel Horse dealer West of the Mississippi River.

In 2002, Harley and Darlene became the sole owners of Manke’s Outdoor Equipment & Appliances. In 2021, Harley had the opportunity to sell his business and finally retired.

Harley enjoyed his Canada fishing trips, his trips to the Lawn and Garden Expo in Louisville, Ky., as well as taking his whole family to Disney World which we were fortunate enough to do over 10 times. He also enjoyed fishing on the local lakes on Sunday mornings and deer hunting up North. He cherished his time at the family cabin on Mille Lacs Lake. His favorite month of the year was August, he lived for both the Steele County and the Minnesota State Fair, both of which he had a booth at for many years.

Harley is survived by his wife Darlene; daughters Tiffany (Troy) Stockwell, and Nicole (Jason) Wobschall, both of Owatonna; three granddaughters who were the light of his life, Kelli (Dave) Hoffman, Brittney Banks, and Addison Suemnick as well as three great grandchildren, Layla and Silas Hoffman, Rylen Banks and one more on the way; sister Ruby Ochs as well as several nieces and nephews and his best friend Hans Hohrman Jr.

He was preceded in death by his son Harlan Jr., as well as his parents and brother in laws Darrell Larson and Roger Ochs.

The family would like to thank the staff at Benedictine Living Community for the care they provided.

Friends may greet the family for a visitation on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Brick-Meger from 4-7 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at the church starting at 10 a.m. Funeral Service will take place on Thursday May 8, 2025, at Good Shepherd Church at 11a.m. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Church Building Fund.