Manka, Robert "Bob"

Robert "Bob" Manka, age 72 of Linden, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dodgeville.

 Bob was born on July 13, 1953, in Viola, WI to Robert and Juanita (Pellett) Manka. When Bob was very young, the family moved to Cudahy, WI. After graduating from Cudahy High School, Bob remained mainly in the Milwaukee area where he was the property manager of Clement Manor. Bob met the love of his life, Gerri Mellum, in 2001 through mutual friends in Blanchardville. In 2002, Bob moved to Linden, WI to be with Geri. In 2003, he began working as the Director of Facilities at the Hodan Center. Bob temporarily retired in 2019, before finding seasonal work at Lake Joy.

Bob's favorite pastimes were fishing and just spending time outside. He found it hard to pass up a rummage sale to try to find Pepsi memorabilia for his ever-growing collection. Bob also loved spending time with his family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Juanita; and sisters Loretta Doss-Gannon-Munro, Betty Meyer-Boucher, and Rita Zenecke-Dielen.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Gerri (Mellum); her children Seth, Emilee (Norris Evans), and Oliva Jones; brothers Ralph Manka, Harold Elliott; his second family—Melvin's on the Ridge; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Dodgeville. 

 A party done "Sheriff Bob Style" will be held on Saturday, May 30, on the Ridge at Melvin Mountain in LaFarge, WI, starting to be announced.

 Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville   

 608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com