William “Bill” Edward Manginen passed away on October 7, 2024, at the age of 78, in his “resort” in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His dedication to his family and his infectious smile remained throughout his decline. He was truly loved by everyone around him.
Bill was born on August 16, 1946, to Norman and Eva Manginen in “Wrigleyville” in Chicago, Illinois. Once he graduated high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served through the Vietnam War and for 28 years. During his time in the Marine Corps, he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Once he retired, as a lifelong learner, he continued and obtained two more master’s degrees in education.
Besides his family, Bill loved baseball, dogs, ice cream, and the United States Marine Corps. Bill always volunteered, helped others, and donated to causes close to his heart. He was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for the last 42 years.
Bill met the love of his life, Susan, in high school and knew he would marry her. She was by his side for 60 years and they were married for 58 years. Their love was a role model for those around them. They had two daughters: Dawn Glenn with her husband, Andy, and Nadine Gamble with her husband, Gary; and five grandchildren: Alex, Gary II, Harley, Tysan and Jared.
He is survived by his brothers: Earl and his wife, Paulette; Jerry; and Jeffrey and his wife, Cynthia. He was preceded in death by Norman and Eva Manginen, Earl Porters Senior, and Julia Manginen.
Bill will be honored with a full military memorial at 2 PM on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Shrine of the Remembrance at 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs 80910. A Celebration of Life will follow, beginning at 4:30 PM at the Kissing Camels Room at Garden of the Gods, 3320 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs 80904. We ask for positive bright colors if in attendance. He will be scattered at a later date with his immediate family.
Memorials in Bill Manginen’s name may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at help.dav.org.
Bill’s dad joke: “Why do cemeteries have fences? People are dying to get in.”
Luci Schwendener
12 Oct 2024My sincere condolences to the family. We are so grateful for his service to our country.
Steve Young
12 Oct 2024The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Manginen’s 28 years of distinguished service to our country in the Marine Corps. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Casey Myrick
13 Oct 2024Sending my condolences to the Manginen family. I am grateful for the time he welcomed me into his home for Thanksgiving while I was away from family and friends. May your memories of him carry you through this difficult time.