Manson Robert Vokoun

Manson Robert Vokoun, 74, of Clutier, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018 at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha in the arms of his loving wife. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer with Father Michael Hutchison as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in rural Clutier. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 4-7 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church with reflections following.

Manson was born on January 3, 1944, in Chelsea, Iowa, the son of Emil and Blanche (Nekola) Vokoun.

On June 4, 1966, he was united in marriage to Carol Novotny at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clutier. Manson farmed, raising crops and livestock, and previously worked for Schafer Produce, Beem Implement, Gibson and Irons, Custer Implement and various other shops and implements in the area. Most recently, he worked as a route driver for Beatrice Cheese and truck driver for Bituminous Material & Supply, retiring in 2010. Manson was a DeKalb seed dealer for thirty years. Manson enjoyed antique machinery and restoration, traveling with his wife, Carol, and going to farm shows. He easily made friends in his work and travel. Manson’s smile and warm personality made him well known near and far. He always enjoyed sharing the family farm heritage and entertaining guests and visitors. Favorite family memories include sleigh and hayrack rides, 4th of July parties, time in the shop with his grandchildren, sledding down the icy highway, birthdays and Christmas. Raising a family of four, he was unselfish and always took an interest in their hobbies and activities and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Manson was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives. Whenever he talked to his children or grandchildren, he always asked, “How are you?”.

Survivors include his wife of fifty one years, Carol of Clutier; four children, Bob Vokoun of Tama, Renee (Patrick) Cooley of Muscatine, Rick (Christene) Vokoun of Belle Plaine, and RaeLynn (Kurt) Ketter of Traer; seven grandchildren, Hannah Vokoun, Rachael Vokoun, Trey Vokoun, Lane Vokoun, Lydia Ketter, Paden Ketter, and Olivia Ketter; one sister, Evelyn Benesh of Keystone; one niece, two nephews, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Gladys Vokoun and Irene Nekola; and two brothers-in-law, Leonard Benesh and Charles Nekola.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.kruse-phillips.com