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John R. Mankowski

October 11, 1944 - September 1, 2026
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Thursday 9/24, 4:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Thursday 9/24, 7:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Association https://www.als.org/ would be appreciated.

John R. Mankowski, 81, passed away on 9/1/2026, his 25th Wedding Anniversary.  Beloved husband of Linda (nee Charles). Dearly loved dad of Sarah (Matthew) Mankowski-Lathrum and Elizabeth (Jae) McCullars. Best Grandpa to Hannah (fiance Justin ) Mankowski, Ethan Lasky, and James Johnson. Cherished brother of Tom (the late Kate), and Mike (Rita). Predeceased by his parents Margaret (nee Sheeran) and Leonard, siblings Joe, Jim, and Sr. Mary Ann, SSSF. Also survived by ex-wife and dear friend Kathy Mankowski, and Linda’s children Wayne (Lynn) Frangesch, and Shireen (Brent) Rice, and her grandchildren Stefan, Conner, Braden, Brendan, and Aiden, and his loving canine companion, Kiera.

A true “sout’sider” John grew up near 26th and Mitchell, attended St. Lawrence grade school, and was a frequent customer of the neighborhood hangout, Orv’s Pharmacy. After graduating from Marquette University High School in 1962, he joined the USAF and spent eighteen months in Brindisi Italy as a morse code transcriber. After the military he obtained a degree in Political Science from UW-Milwaukee and became a junior diplomat for the USIA. While waiting for an assignment, he took a part-time job as a delivery driver at Gilberts Liquor and opted to stay in the wine and spirits industry. After years with Gilberts, Holiday, and Kellers, he spent almost twenty years as the owner and sole proprietor of Apple Run Liquor in Menomonee Falls. He finished his career as the Wine and Spirits Manager at Metro Market in downtown Milwaukee.

John was a walking encyclopedia of Milwaukee history and had extensive knowledge of the wines of the world. Raised Irish, he was proud of his heritage, and in true Irish fashion was known for his stories and ability to establish a “Smallwaukee” connection everywhere he went.

Our sincerest gratitude to the VA and their ALS Clinic, Cedarburg Health Services, Linden Grove-Waukesha, and CommonHeart Hospice Services for their compassionate care and support.

Gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53072, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, 4-6:45PM. A remembrance service will follow at 7PM.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 25th, at St. Joseph’s Chapel,1515 South Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin at 10:00 AM., followed by interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Association https://www.als.org/ would be appreciated.

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Two elderly men indoors: one standing in a blue jacket behind a man in a wheelchair wearing a headset, both looking at the camera.
A young woman and an older man sit close on a concrete step outside a brick house, smiling together with potted flowers nearby.
Man sitting with a small child on his lap in a cozy living room, near a decorated Christmas tree with gifts underneath.
Man sitting at a table with a glass of wine, a black-and-white cat perched on his shoulder.
Three people posing indoors for a casual photo: man on the left, woman in the center with a white fluffy scarf, and a boy with glasses on the right.
Group of five adults posing for a photo outdoors in front of a white tent with a banner partially reading 'THEATER'; man in a wheelchair center wearing teal shorts and red cap, others smiling around him -- casual summer attire.
Men socializing at a home bar; a man in a sweater watches a vintage radio while others mingle by a wooden pillar and lamps.
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A family gathered on a couch and floor beside a Christmas tree, smiling with a child in red pants seated between adults.
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Bride wearing a lace veil and white wedding dress posing with a man in a white shirt for a wedding photo.
Three people posing together in a living room: a young woman in a floral dress, a man in a suit, and a woman in a blue blazer with short hair smiling at the camera.
Couple posing and smiling at the camera during a formal dinner at a restaurant.
Four adults sitting on a couch, smiling at the camera, with drinks and snacks on the coffee table in front of them.
Man in a suit and a woman decorating a Christmas tree; the woman holds a small cat while placing ornaments.
Couple posing together in a living room; woman leans her head on the man's shoulder, both smiling.
Three people posing together in a living room: a young woman in a blue dress, an elderly woman in black, and a man in a white shirt.
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Three adults posing indoors: a woman in a gray dress between two men in semi-formal attire.
Three adults posing outdoors on a sunny day, each holding a beverage and smiling at the camera.
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A multi-generation family posing with a newborn: an elderly woman in a pink top, a man in a yellow shirt cradling a baby, and a young woman in gray at their side.
Older man in a navy polo smiles while holding a young blond boy in a striped shirt outdoors beside a car.
Three adults posing at a formal event: woman in a white jacket center, man in a dark suit to the right, woman in black on the left, wooden wall background.
Two adults posing for a photo indoors, smiling at the camera.
Two people kiss at a social gathering, holding drinks, in a kitchen with wooden cabinets and floral decor behind them.
Black-and-white portrait of a young boy in a button-down shirt looking at the camera.
Four men at a bar posing for the photo; neon signs and a Bud Light ad visible in the background.
Smiling man in a blue shirt with a nametag posing with a smiling woman at a nighttime event.
Bride and groom at their wedding reception, seated together in formal attire, smiling at the camera in a black-and-white photo.
Store clerk stands behind a checkout counter holding two bags of ice in a small grocery store.
Man in dark clothes stands in a bright, narrow hallway with doors on both sides and an exit sign overhead in the distance.
Three men pose on a front porch: one seated in a chair, one perched on the railing, and another standing in the doorway of a light building.
Smiling man in a white shirt and black tie with arms crossed; name badge visible, blurred bar shelves in the background.
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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Thursday 9/24, 4:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Thursday 9/24, 7:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Association https://www.als.org/ would be appreciated.

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John R. Mankowski, 81, passed away on 9/1/2026, his 25th Wedding Anniversary.  Beloved husband of Linda (nee Charles). Dearly loved dad of Sarah (Matthew) Mankowski-Lathrum and Elizabeth (Jae) McCullars. Best Grandpa to Hannah (fiance Justin ) Mankowski, Ethan Lasky, and James Johnson. Cherished brother of Tom (the late Kate), and Mike (Rita). Predeceased by hisContinue Reading

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Your Center Street Family left a message on September 22, 2026:
Hannah and Justin,We are thinking of you during this time of loss. May you find peace and healing among one another. We love you both!
Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of John Mankowski by Your Center Street Family. Send Flowers
Dwight Crouse left a message on September 18, 2026:
Dear Mike and Tom(Sammy). I want to reach out to both of you and offer my condolences on the death of your brother John. I know that he will be deeply missed by the both of you and his wife and children. Tommy came to my brother Duane’s wake and since that time we lost my sister Diane. Three Crouse’s in the last 18 months should be enough. I would have loved to be there for theSt. Joe’s service but I am leaving on vacation for two weeks. My best to you and your families. Dwight(Whitey) Crouse
Ginney Kolter left a message on September 7, 2026:
My deepest condolences to the Mankowski family. It’s always sad writing these comments to the family. I did not know Mr Mankowski, but knew Linda from our old neighborhood. Linda may peace and fond memories of your husband remain a part of your life. Cherish those special times spent together. Ginney Kolter
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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