Edward McManus, age 79, of Spring Valley, Wis., died suddenly on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 in Elmwood, Wis.
Ed was born Jan. 23, 1946, to Paul and Margaret (Murphy) McManus in Bettendorf, Iowa. He attended Davenport Assumption High School, graduating with the Class of 1964.
Ed continued his education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, earning a degree in Business. He entered the U.S. Army in September 1968 and served for two years active duty and was in the Reserves until 1974.
After his time in the service, he moved to Pennsylvania where he worked as an insurance agent. He moved back to Wisconsin and began his career at Ellsworth Schools where he was Director of Transportation and Building and Grounds. He retired from the school in 2003.
He was married to Michele (VanderHorn) Smyth in 1969 in the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Davenport and had two children with her. On March 1, 2003 he married Cynthia Ann (Dempsey) Schrag in Las Vegas, Nev. They lived in Missouri for about 8 ½ years before moving back to Wisconsin. They have lived in Spring Valley for the past 10 years.
He enjoyed NASCAR racing and working on cars and model cars, American Legion membership, woodworking, and his family.
His parents preceded him in death, along with many aunts and uncles and friends.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; daughters: Casey McManus and Kay McManus-Willey; step-children: Michelle (Greg) Schmitt, Greg (Kelsey) Schrag, Brandon Schrag, Alex Schrag; 13 grandchildren: Bobby, Matthew, Michael, Joshua, Jasmine, Jaxson, Jonathan, Maxell, William, Samuell, Zoey, Harlyn, Dahlia; siblings: Joseph (Ceil) McManus, Mary (Bruce) Haas, Kathy (Tony) Edelen; siblings-in-law: Bradley Dempsey, Brian (Deb) Dempsey, Christine Dempsey; as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all that loved and knew him. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill. at a later date.
Keehr Funeral Home, (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
