John C. "Sky" Manske

John C. “Sky” Manske, 52, of Grand Forks, passed away Wednesday, August 15^th, 2018, at home.

John Charles Manske was born on December 15^th, 1965, in Grand Forks, ND. He was the youngest son of Robert and Catherine (Mickelson) Manske. As a child he attended Lincoln Elementary School where he took to piano at an early age.  He attended South Jr. High School and then Central High School where he continued perfecting his talent at the piano becoming an accomplished pianist and was actively involved in theater.

After graduating from Central High School in 1984, he went on to attend the University of North Dakota. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a minor in History. He had a passion for serving people that shined throughout his life.

He was a man of many interests, intelligent and poised. A renaissance man.

After a stint bartending at The Antique in East Grand Forks, he started managing the Urban Stampede coffee shop. It was during his second year there when he was approached by long time Sanders’ owner whose mother was so impressed with his service and how well John had taken care of her, that she convinced him to hire John.

That’s when the Sanders 1907 era began and “Sky” was created. Shortly after starting at Sanders 1907, the crew formed a volleyball team and played in a tournament. He was recruited by the team after he had them thinking he had a 36-inch vertical and could jump high. After proving his talent in the first game, he was nicknamed “Sky’s the Limit” and the nickname “Sky” just stuck.

After a few years and becoming headwaiter at Sanders 1907, he left Grand Forks and headed to Minneapolis, MN. Sky was gone for a mere 10 months before he realized big city life wasn’t for him and how much he loved Grand Forks. Grand Forks was his home and he was welcomed back with open arms. He returned to Sanders 1907 and made a lifelong career out of it.

During his 25 years at Sanders, he touched so many. He was one of the best. Always attentive, he never forgot a face or a name and was perpetually the utmost gentleman. He always made sure you were taken care of. Sky made a lasting impact on the dining scene of Grand Forks.

In 2014 the stars aligned and he fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own restaurant. He was humble and never one to boast. Often times, reminding you it takes a team effort from top to bottom; he said he couldn’t do any of it without the team behind him. He was forever grateful for everyone who made his dream possible.

There was more to Sky than Sky’s. In his time away from his dedication to Sanders and Sky’s, he had a fondness for gardening and landscaping. He enjoyed antiques, a love he acquired from his mother. He was a talented musician and had love for fine wine. He had a sense of fashion fit for New York! It was rare to see him with the same tie or button down on twice. He was always dressed to the "nine’s" or dressed in his Sunday best.

He was a devoted son, brother, uncle and friend. We can’t forget his love for “his girls” Tia and MayMay. They were his pride and joy who never left his side. He was a shining star in the fine dining community of Grand Forks and beyond.

John is survived by his mother, Catherine, Grand Forks, ND;  siblings, Jeffrey (Lois) Manske, Grand Forks, ND, Joel (Roanne) Manske, West Fargo, ND, and Jill (Tim) Tibesar, Corvallis, OR;  nieces and nephews, Hannah (Nathan Sill), Andrew, Madison, Nicholas, and Elle;  and “The Girls,” Tia and MayMay. John was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and all of his grandparents.

Celebration of Life Service:  will be  2:00 P.M. Monday, August 20, 2018 in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9^th St., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, August 19, 2018 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42^nd St., Grand Forks and for one hour prior to the service in the church.  Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks.  

Memorials are preferred to CVIC, Circle of Friends Humane Society, or Calvary Lutheran Church.