Jane Irene Manges, 94
Jane Irene Manges, age 94 of New Hampton, died Tuesday, May 14, 2025, at UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital in Waterloo.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at United Methodist Church in New Hampton with the Rev. Paula Hemann presiding.
Interment will follow at New Hampton City Cemetery.
Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with Jane’s arrangements.
Jane was born on June 2, 1930, to Jack and Irene (Smith) Snyder, and Jane was a lifelong resident of New Hampton and a beloved member of her community.
A proud graduate of New Hampton High School’s Class of 1948, Jane’s life was forever changed in 1950 when a blind double date introduced her to the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Manges.
The two were married on Jan. 4, 1953, in the warmth of her parents’ home — beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned nearly seven decades. Their union was blessed with one son, Steve, whom Jane loved and supported endlessly.
Throughout her life, Jane was known for her strong work ethic, friendly nature and impeccable taste.
She held several jobs in New Hampton, including at Agnes Dress Shop, Hauth Drug, and Bo Peep Clothing Store. She later became a familiar and comforting presence as the study hall supervisor at New Hampton High School, where generations of students affectionately knew her as “Ma Manges.”
When Bob took over the local jewelry store and relocated it to Main Street, Jane stood proudly by his side, helping run the store and charming customers with her warmth and style. Whether selling jewelry, china or clocks, Jane brought joy and elegance to everything she did. She continued working with Bob until her retirement in 2020 at the remarkable age of 90.
Jane was also known for her love of sports, and she was an enthusiastic fan who rarely missed an Iowa Hawkeyes game. Her passion extended to the Minnesota Vikings, Boston Celtics, women’s basketball and even horse racing. Tuesday evenings often found her on the greens at the New Hampton Country Club for Ladies Night, where her love of golf was matched only by her love of friendship and fun.
More than anything, Jane was fiercely proud of her son Steve and was a devoted supporter of his music career. She was one of his band’s biggest fans and followed them with the same dedication she brought to all areas of her life.
Jane is survived by her son, Steve (Deb) Manges of Waterloo; seven grandchildren, Troy (Harat) Manges of Terrell, Texas, Tonya (Ben) Collins of Blue Earth, Minnesota, Jeremy (Marcia) Treichel of Clive, Shawn (Krissy) Treichel of Boonville, Indiana, Karisa (Matthew) Renner of Cedar Falls, Cody Dewater of Cedar Rapids, and Jennifer (Tim) Newell of Cedar Falls; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Sandra Schueth of New Hampton.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bob in 2018.
