Obituaries July 30

A memorial Mass is 10 a.m. Aug. 7 at St. Gall Catholic Church for 50-year Gardnerville resident Jeannette Marie Cowden, 86. Mrs. Cowden died July 16, 2008, in Texas while visiting her daughter, Marie.

Born April 17, 1922, in San Francisco, she was raised in the city by the Bay and in France. She was a dental assistant for 20 years while working in San Francisco and Gardnerville with her husband, Dr. George Cowden. She retired from Douglas County Public Health Services in 1986. Mrs. Cowden was a member of St. Gall Women's Society, Carson Valley Literary Club and a past member of the Douglas County Republican Central Committee.

Mrs. Cowden was preceded in death by her husband and son, George G. Cowden.

She is survived by son Gregg (Kathleen) of Gardnerville; daughters Marie (Gary) Rabel of Texas and Jeannie (Jerry) Sapp of Yerington; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Donations may be made to the Douglas County Historical Society, 1477 Highway 395, Gardnerville, NV, 89410.

A private burial will be at Mottsville Cemetery.

A memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Deseret Drive for native Nevadan John Warren Manke, 66, who died July 9, 2008, in Auburn, Calif., with loved ones and friends by his side.

Born Nov. 22, 1941, to Alice Keener Manke and Oliver Curtz at the West Side Hospital in Carson City, he resided in Markleeville as a child and moved to Gardnerville in his youth where he attended Douglas County High School.

An accomplished athlete, he was all-state in football, basketball and track at Douglas, set the records for 110- and 220-yard dash.

He also excelled in track at the University of Nevada, Reno, setting several records from 1961-63. He won the Far West Championship titles in the 110 and 220 in 1962 and 1963.

Mr. Manke drove a logging truck for Manke Sawmill with his step-father Henry Manke. He stayed in Carson Valley for several years and was instrumental in bringing the Little League here, along with organizing Babe Ruth and the Pop Warner Football program. He was coach to many young men during those years, including current UNR baseball coach Gary Powers.

Mr. Manke also stepped in and continued the Carson Valley Days softball tournament and played for many years. He served as a member of the Douglas County Sheriff's posse.

Mr. Manke left the Valley for the open road and drove long haul across this country that he loved.

He returned to Reno and taught at Western Truck Driving School until Sue Turner of Auburn stole his heart and he moved to Auburn where he spent his last years.

Mr. Manke loved reminiscing about the good old days in the Valley with his friends and family. He had a sense of humor and wit that will not be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father and brother Donald Curtz.

Mr. Manke is survived by his companion Sue Turner; brothers Vernon (Carol) Manke, Dwight Curtz; children Ken (Ashly) Manke, Tammy (Tim) Perko, Jacque (Roy) Foster and Bill (Melissa) Manke; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many friends.

Donations may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation (800) 452-2873 in his name.