1941
Donald
2024
Donald Manikas
September 1, 1941 — August 22, 2024
Donald J. Manikas, 82, of Westmont, formerly of West Chicago, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024. An avid Green Bay Packers fan, Don was a skilled carpenter who built his family home and was a project manager for large Chicagoland construction projects. He enjoyed driving a school bus in his retirement years after his career. Beloved father of Don (Kim) Manikas, Barb (Holly Hudson) Manikas, and the late Bob Manikas; cherished grandfather of Susie and Bobby (Blair) Manikas, Annie (Alex) Zak, and the late Theresa Manikas; proud great grandfather of Ben, Joey, and Charlie; dear brother of Priscilla Michalowicz, Lori (Ted) Mila, the late Joan (the late Gene) Hoskin, and the late Joyce (the late Frank) Segaritis; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; devoted brother in law of Leo Michalowicz and Mike Fuchsgruber; former husband of Marilyn (nee Pocica) Manikas.
Don was born on September 1, 1941 to two hard-working Lithuanian parents. With two older sisters and two younger sisters, Don was truly a middle child. But, all of his sisters agreed that he was their mother’s favorite. Despite his favored status, he was spoiled by his sisters, who loved him dearly. Don loved and valued the relationship that he had with each one of his sisters.
After graduating from De La Salle High School, Don joined the United States Air Force. While still serving in the Air Force, Don married Marilyn Pocica, his high school sweetheart, in 1961. They welcomed their first son (Don) in October of 1962, and their second boy (Bobby) in October of 1963. Don quickly realized that the military life was not right for his family. Accordingly, when Don’s enlistment term ended, they settled back in Chicago. In January of 1966, his long-awaited daughter (Barb) was born. In 1976, Don moved his family to a new home that he built in unincorporated area known as Wayne Center. Don and Marilyn shared the joys (and the burdens) of raising a family. And, even after they divorced, they remained friends, and enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Don was a highly skilled, and very hard-working carpenter. He had an unmatched work ethic, and worked hard to provide for his family and make sure that his children had everything they needed (most importantly, a good education). After years of experience as a carpenter, Don used his construction expertise to become a project manager for several construction companies, and then ended his career working as a project manager for Catholic Charities.
While Don worked on many major projects in the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, he always felt that his most important project was the family home that he built with the help of his two sons and other family members and friends. Of course, working with his boys was the most important part of the project to Don. He always made them feel like indispensable contributors (even when they were just slowing him down).
Despite working long, physically demanding hours on weekdays and many weekends, Don somehow found the time and energy to coach little league and pony baseball. He worked hard to develop all three of his children’s baseball skills, frequently taking everyone to the park for extra hitting or fielding practice. All three of his children had great success on the diamond, but Don was especially proud of the athletic achievements of Barb, who often accomplished things that girls had not previously even tried.
The hardest time in Don’s life was when he lost his son Bobby. Don and Bobby were very close. They both loved sports, fast cars, golf, and the construction industry, and were both fiercely loyal to, and protective of, their family. Don sometimes referred to his two boys and himself collectively as the three musketeers, and was devastated when he lost Bobby. We should all take comfort in the fact that Don is now reunited with Bobby.
Anyone who knew Don undoubtedly knew that he was an avid Packers fan. He was not shy about that fact. Many people speculated that he brought the Vince Lombardi coaching philosophy to his own coaching and parenting. Don truly enjoyed watching and attending Packers games with his family. One of his favorite memories was his recent trip to Lambeau Field with his son Don, his grandson Bobby, and his great grandson Ben – 4 generations of Packers fans!
Don was particularly proud of his grandchildren (Susie, Bobby, and Annie), and great-grandchildren (Ben, Joey, and Charlie). His best smiles were for his grandchildren. And, his grandkids loved listening to his stories. His stories always seemed to take an unexpected turn.
When his granddaughter Susie was born, he drove 45 minutes every evening after work just to hold her. His bond with Susie lasted a lifetime. Grandpa Don was also a frequent attendee at Bobby’s baseball and hockey games. Grandpa and Bobby could talk sports for hours, and frequently attended professional sporting events together. From the first time he saw her, Grandpa was smitten by Annie. While proud of Annie’s academic and professional accomplishments. he was even more proud of the mother that she is.
As much as he loves his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren provided a new layer of enjoyment. He lit up when Ben came in the room, and enjoyed watching Ben grow up. More recently, Don became the biggest cheerleader for his younger great-grandchildren, Joey and Charlie. When the boys were born weighing only a pound and a half each, Don prayed for them endlessly, and continuously assured family members that the boys would be ok because they had the “Manikases Never Give Up” attitude. It warmed his heart to see them continuously smiling, despite everything they had been through. Don was looking forward to the arrival of his fourth great-grandson in November.
In his later years, Don enjoyed the companionship of Barb Connelly. Somehow, they were able to get past the Packer-Bear rivalry, and connected quickly. They could often be spotted dining at Chuck’s, Uncle Bubs, or Jamesons, or attending a family party or get-together.
Don will be missed by his children, grandchildren, sisters, daughters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.
Visitation Friday, August 30, 2024 from 9:00am until time of prayers 11:15am at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.), Bartlett, IL. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00pm at Resurrection Catholic Church 30W350 Army Trail Rd., Wayne, IL. Private entombment at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmhc.org are appreciated. Info (630)289-7575
Don was born on September 1, 1941 to two hard-working Lithuanian parents. With two older sisters and two younger sisters, Don was truly a middle child. But, all of his sisters agreed that he was their mother’s favorite. Despite his favored status, he was spoiled by his sisters, who loved him dearly. Don loved and valued the relationship that he had with each one of his sisters.
After graduating from De La Salle High School, Don joined the United States Air Force. While still serving in the Air Force, Don married Marilyn Pocica, his high school sweetheart, in 1961. They welcomed their first son (Don) in October of 1962, and their second boy (Bobby) in October of 1963. Don quickly realized that the military life was not right for his family. Accordingly, when Don’s enlistment term ended, they settled back in Chicago. In January of 1966, his long-awaited daughter (Barb) was born. In 1976, Don moved his family to a new home that he built in unincorporated area known as Wayne Center. Don and Marilyn shared the joys (and the burdens) of raising a family. And, even after they divorced, they remained friends, and enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Don was a highly skilled, and very hard-working carpenter. He had an unmatched work ethic, and worked hard to provide for his family and make sure that his children had everything they needed (most importantly, a good education). After years of experience as a carpenter, Don used his construction expertise to become a project manager for several construction companies, and then ended his career working as a project manager for Catholic Charities.
While Don worked on many major projects in the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, he always felt that his most important project was the family home that he built with the help of his two sons and other family members and friends. Of course, working with his boys was the most important part of the project to Don. He always made them feel like indispensable contributors (even when they were just slowing him down).
Despite working long, physically demanding hours on weekdays and many weekends, Don somehow found the time and energy to coach little league and pony baseball. He worked hard to develop all three of his children’s baseball skills, frequently taking everyone to the park for extra hitting or fielding practice. All three of his children had great success on the diamond, but Don was especially proud of the athletic achievements of Barb, who often accomplished things that girls had not previously even tried.
The hardest time in Don’s life was when he lost his son Bobby. Don and Bobby were very close. They both loved sports, fast cars, golf, and the construction industry, and were both fiercely loyal to, and protective of, their family. Don sometimes referred to his two boys and himself collectively as the three musketeers, and was devastated when he lost Bobby. We should all take comfort in the fact that Don is now reunited with Bobby.
Anyone who knew Don undoubtedly knew that he was an avid Packers fan. He was not shy about that fact. Many people speculated that he brought the Vince Lombardi coaching philosophy to his own coaching and parenting. Don truly enjoyed watching and attending Packers games with his family. One of his favorite memories was his recent trip to Lambeau Field with his son Don, his grandson Bobby, and his great grandson Ben – 4 generations of Packers fans!
Don was particularly proud of his grandchildren (Susie, Bobby, and Annie), and great-grandchildren (Ben, Joey, and Charlie). His best smiles were for his grandchildren. And, his grandkids loved listening to his stories. His stories always seemed to take an unexpected turn.
When his granddaughter Susie was born, he drove 45 minutes every evening after work just to hold her. His bond with Susie lasted a lifetime. Grandpa Don was also a frequent attendee at Bobby’s baseball and hockey games. Grandpa and Bobby could talk sports for hours, and frequently attended professional sporting events together. From the first time he saw her, Grandpa was smitten by Annie. While proud of Annie’s academic and professional accomplishments. he was even more proud of the mother that she is.
As much as he loves his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren provided a new layer of enjoyment. He lit up when Ben came in the room, and enjoyed watching Ben grow up. More recently, Don became the biggest cheerleader for his younger great-grandchildren, Joey and Charlie. When the boys were born weighing only a pound and a half each, Don prayed for them endlessly, and continuously assured family members that the boys would be ok because they had the “Manikases Never Give Up” attitude. It warmed his heart to see them continuously smiling, despite everything they had been through. Don was looking forward to the arrival of his fourth great-grandson in November.
In his later years, Don enjoyed the companionship of Barb Connelly. Somehow, they were able to get past the Packer-Bear rivalry, and connected quickly. They could often be spotted dining at Chuck’s, Uncle Bubs, or Jamesons, or attending a family party or get-together.
Don will be missed by his children, grandchildren, sisters, daughters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.
Visitation Friday, August 30, 2024 from 9:00am until time of prayers 11:15am at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.), Bartlett, IL. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00pm at Resurrection Catholic Church 30W350 Army Trail Rd., Wayne, IL. Private entombment at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmhc.org are appreciated. Info (630)289-7575
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Manikas, please visit our flower store.
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