Obituaries

Sheryl Evon Mahnke, 83, of Eau Claire, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, with her loving family by her side at Mayo Clinic Health Systems – Eau Claire.

Sheryl (Sherry in her youth) was born on November 8th, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Leonard and Thelma (Anderson) Redix. She graduated from Waverly Iowa High School and then went on to become a wife, mother, and homemaker. She devoted her time to raising her family, even going on to help in raising her grandchildren.

When she was younger Sheryl loved riding and taking care of her horses. You could always find her on her family farm working with her father. Her love for horses was carried throughout her life, but evolved into watching horse shows, the Kentucky Derby, and visiting them at fairs. Being surrounded by family was the most important thing to Sheryl, she loved a rambunctious house full of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren any time they could all get together. Building such a large family left Sheryl with many grandchildren to be proud of. Living with her granddaughter Kassandra (and now her daughter) for the past eight and half years filled her with so much life and joy. Christmas specifically was a favorite time of Sheryl’s, and spending time her daughter Katrina always created such a magical season with her ability to make everyone feel special. All remember Sheryl as the person you could rely on for anything, whether it was a call about cooking, the weather, crafting, sewing, fixing, or saving a plant’s life, she had the answer. When you needed someone to listen, uplift you, joke or banter with; she was always there. Though she was stubborn, Sheryl was loyal and loved her family beyond measure. Sheryl enjoyed embroidery, watching her shows, listening to music, doing word searches, and reading in her free time. She was so thankful for those who shared their lives and children with her.

Sheryl is survived by her children, Angela Mahnke, Lorrie Smith, Darrin Mahnke, Randy Mahnke, Tonette Brandt, Corey Mahnke, and Katrina Eakes; her many grandchildren, including but not limited to Geniece Easterday, Kassandra Mahnke, Britni Haakenson, Brianna Kjellberg, Krystal Platson, Kristen Wojtowicz, Marissa Smith, Kimberlie Wells; her great-grandchildren; her brother Michael Redix; and lastly her companion Jane (everyone’s favorite little dog).

Sheryl was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Mahnke, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Sheryl will be interred at Lakeview Cemetery following the service.

The family kindly requests that all who attend dress in traditional funeral attire in honor of Sheryl. This is a safe space to come mourn, remember, and honor a well-lived life.