Tim Manning Obituary, Death – Timothy John Manning, who resided in Minooka, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2022, at the age of 62, at the Morris Hospital. He was the only child of John E. and Sue E. (née Jericho) Manning, who both passed away before his birth on May 19, 1960 in Pontiac, Illinois. Tim was born and raised in Dwight, Illinois, and attended Dwight Township High School until he graduated in 1978. In addition to being a standout on the athletic field, where he competed in football, baseball, and basketball, he sang in the school choir and participated in the Madrigal Show every year. In addition to that, he worked as a disc jockey for WDND, and he enjoyed recounting the time he spent broadcasting from the Women’s Prison in Dwight.
Tim went to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale immediately following his graduation from high school. Three years later, at the young age of 19, he started a career in the printing business. Tim worked hard as a Production Analyst for R.R. Donnelly & Sons and subsequently LSB Communications for about 43 years together. He was a loyal employee in both companies. Tim’s first employment was working on a farm owned by the Dwight family since he held the philosophy that a day spent outside was a day well spent. Tim was a passionate angler who took pleasure in spending time on the water with his loved ones and fellow anglers. Baseball was one of his greatest loves, and he was a devoted follower of the Chicago Cubs throughout his whole life.
Tim was able to talk to his favorite player, #10 Ron Santo, during spring training, and the moment when Ron autographed his favorite mitt, Tim was as excited as a child. Tim coached baseball teams in Dight’s Little League and Pony League, and he also worked as an umpire for both leagues. In addition to that, he offered his time to the Kempton Fire Department as a first responder, and he was known for making a lot of pancakes at the annual Kempton Fireman’s Breakfast. He sang in a band, sang at many weddings – including his own wedding to Janel – and liked expressing his faith through singing at St. John Lutheran Church Joliet, where he had many friends and admirers. Tim was an extraordinarily skilled vocalist.
He was a huge fan of music, movies, and television. His favorite movie was The Quiet Man, which is how he got the moniker “Snuffy.” His favorite actor was “The Duke,” and his favorite movie was “The Quiet Man.” Whether it was Marvel, DC, or the Harry Potter series (it was only logical that he was placed in Gryffindor), he would watch it anytime he had the chance. In conclusion, family and friends were Tim’s biggest source of happiness, and his loss has left a hole in their lives that will never be replaced. Regardless of the sequence in which his sisters were born, he was a very protective older brother, and he was incredibly proud of the fact that both of his sisters had earned graduate degrees.
Even though he was given a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis eleven years ago, he did not let illness define him; rather, he fought against and adjusted to every obstacle that he faced. He cherished his wife Janel beyond all measure, and she is unable to conceive of a world in which he is not there. Tim is survived by his devoted wife of almost 19 years, Janel L. Eaton; two sisters, Peggy Sue (Dennis) Esser and Dr. Kelly (Paul) Manning-Smith; his brother-in-law, Michael Eaton; nieces and nephews, Amanda Smith, Jessica (Matt) Lauterbach, Joseph (Carissa) Smith, and Allyssa Smith; and his wife’s aunt, Mary (the late Lamb) Moore. Ella, Madison, Morgan, Cheyenne, and Benjamin all referred to Tim as “Gruncle,” and they had a lot of love for him. A large number of loving cousins have also been preserved.
He was predeceased by his cherished parents as well as his devoted canine pals, Boomer, Maxine, Dinah, and Angel, to whom he was the finest ‘Dog Dad’ possible. On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, a Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held for Timothy John Manning at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home located at 3200 Black Rd. in Joliet. The Memorial Service will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the Celebration of Life will begin at 5:00 p.m. Rituals related to Timothy’s cremation have been carried out in accordance with his wishes.
