John R. Mankowski

John R. Mankowski, 81, passed away on 9/1/2026, his 25^th 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 26^th 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 would be appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of John R. Mankowski, please visit our Tribute Store.