George E. Manus, age 88 of German Valley, IL passed away at home on Monday, November 28, 2016. He was born June 10, 1928 in Freeport, IL to the late Gerhard "George" and Pearl (Janssen) Manus. He was a 1946 graduate of Present Prairie Academy of German Valley. George married Mary Eckhoff on June 18, 1948 at the Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church in German Valley.

In his younger years, George was a truck driver for Wieman Trucking. He was also a lifelong farmer with his wife, Mary by his side. Together they enjoyed working 68 years on the family farm. George was also a carpenter and remodeled many area homes and worked on many projects at the Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church where he was also a consistory member, Elder and Deacon. He was also a member of the German Valley School Board. George enjoyed photography and traveling, including Australia, Europe and Ireland. George and Mary's home was always open as a gathering place for friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of German Valley; daughter, Marsha (Jack) Birkholz of Baileyville, IL; sons, Rick (Beth) Manus of German Valley and Kerry (Jennifer) Manus of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, Angela (Russ) Medenblik, Paul (Sarah) Mullen, Randy (Jodi) Manus, Stephen Manus, Kendrick Manus, Mikayla Manus, Teagan Manus, and Eliot Manus; great grandchildren, Abbi Medenblik, Baylee Manus, Anna Mullen, Ashleigh Alexander, Joshua Mullen, Emma Manus, Ava Medenblik, and Erika Alexander; and sister, Loda Bruning. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Kim Alexander; and brother-in-law, Leslie Bruning.

George's family would like to thank FHN Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.

A celebration of George's life will be held Saturday, December 17th at 10:00 am at the Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church in German Valley. A time of food and fellowship will take place after the service. Burial will take place at the Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the church.