Manuel ‘Manny’ Ray Casarez

Manuel “Manny” Ray Casarez, 65, of Cedar Grove, Wis., received his wings surrounded by loved ones on Jan. 20, 2022, in Cape Coral, Fla.

Manny was born on April 20, 1956, in Napoleon, Ohio, to the late Manuel and Lorna Casarez.  

He attended Plymouth High School, where he met his future wife Judy Diels. The two married in 1981, and together they moved to Cedar Grove, where he proudly started a family business, Manny Made, which he ran from 1983 to 2021.

Manny was blessed with an uncle, Rudy, who introduced him to his lifelong passion for music and guitar, and family and friends were frequently serenaded by impromptu concerts.

His laugh was contagious, and combined with his upbeat whistle and joking nature, his presence would light up a room.

Manny enjoyed taking his family to see the world, whether it be via station wagon, pop-up camper, RV or plane, there was never a dull moment. After spending years on the road vacationing, he and his wife Judy purchased their second home in North Fort Myers, Fla. — a purchase that reflected Manny’s giving nature and willingness to bring joy to all he knew, for the invitation to stay at this house was open to everyone, and a constant flow of visitors enjoyed time with him there.  

He loved Florida and the people he met, and as such, his family grew to include his Cape Coral neighbors and friends nearby. Having recently received a Florida driver’s license, Manny was thrilled to tell anyone who would listen that he now got to fish for free (a benefit of receiving Florida residency).  

He further enjoyed golfing with his son, brothers-in-law and nephews, giving personal pontoon tours through the Cape Coral canals and spending valuable time with his beloved grandchildren.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Lorna Casarez; infant sister Debbie; sister Lilly Casarez; parents-in-law Earl and Mary Diels; brother-in-law Larry Wadel; sister-in-law Joanie Lemkuil;  nephew Steven Casarez; and niece Angela Casarez.

He is survived by his wife Judy (Diels) Casarez; children Rose (Ryan) Janke, Rebecca Casarez, Manuel Casarez Jr. and Stephani (Kurt) Brunner; grandchildren Finn and Cole Janke and Emily, Ryan and Abigail Brunner; brother Steven (Anne) Casarez; sisters Terry Wadel, Gloria (DuWayne) Pagel and Roseanna (Scott) Hoffman; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends who were also considered family.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Cape Coral Hospital as well as everyone who has assisted throughout this challenging time. We sincerely appreciate the prayers, love and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cedar Grove Fire Department, 306 S. Main St., Cedar Grove, WI 53013, are appreciated.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at Suchon Funeral Home, 1317 State Rd. 67, Plymouth, Wis., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.