William Donald Mannisto

South Range, 
 
William “Bill” Mannisto passed away peacefully in hospice at 90 years old in Muskego, Wisconsin on Janaury 19, 2023. 
On April 5, 1932, Bill was born and grew up in Bessemer, Michigan, the son of William Mannisto and Alma Jarvela. He married Sandra Hill in 1957 in L’Anse, Michigan. They lived in Hancock until 1969 and then moved to South Range, Michigan and raised their family there. They had three children, one daughter and two sons: Marilisa, Mark, and Michael. They lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan their whole life up until their decision to move into memory care at Heritage Senior Living in Muskego, Wisconsin in January 2021. 
Bill was an integral part to the education and sports community in the Copper County. As an all-around athlete, Bill participated in basketball, baseball, football and track at Bessemer High School. He played basketball and ran track at Gogebic Community College, then after a two-year hitch in the Army, from 1953 to 1955, he went to Northern Michigan University and was MVP of the 1955-56 basketball team. He coached basketball at Suomi College for two seasons and then was basketball coach at Hancock High School. He also was the assistant coach in football and track at Hancock High School. In summer of 2020, Bill was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame as recognition for his achievements. 
Bill was active in education in the Copper Country for 36 years. He served as teacher at Jeffers & Hancock High School and Suomi College. He served as Superintendent in Adams Township School from 1968 to 1981 and in the Copper Country Intermediate School District from 1981 until he retired in 1993. 
Bill was very active in his community. He served as board chair on the Portage View Hospital Board of Directors for several years. Bill was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church in South Range for many years and spent time on the church council.
Bill is predeceased by his wife Sandra. Survivors include their three children; Marilisa (Scott Moore) of Connecticut, Mark (Karen) of Greenfield, Wisconsin and Michael (Michele) of Marshall, Minnesota. Bill is also survived by his 5 grandchildren; Anna, Nicholas, Jacob, Samantha (Matt Navins) and Stephanee (Jack Albert) and many cousins, relatives, and dear friends. 
A celebration of life will be held on June 17th, 2023 in South Range, Michigan at Grace Lutheran Church for both Bill and Sandra and conducted by Rev. Micah Cavaleri. Time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Grace Lutheran Church, South Range, MI. Bill and Sandra will be laid to rest in South Range Cemetery.
To view Bill’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net
 
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.