Craig Kelly Manke

October 31, 1945  -  April 12, 2023

Craig K. Manke of Fort Collins, CO. passed away from a short illness on April 12, 2023. He was 77 years old; born on Halloween ’45. He was raised in Waseca, Minnesota by parents, Orton and Dorothy Manke. After a year in Vietnam in 1968, he met and married Susan Paulsen in 1970 and they moved to Colorado shortly after. Craig was a stockbroker for most of his life, and after a brief retirement, returned to the workforce as a letter carrier for the U.S.Postal Service, enjoying the exercise and camaraderie on the streets for nearly a decade.

Craig is best described as an avid reader, a devoted streamer, an NCAA March Madness superfan, and a lifelong participant in the global markets. He had a sharp wit and was a skillful debater. He enjoyed reminiscing about the days of his youth and listened to all genres of music as a guide through history. Upon meeting you, he might greet you with a song if you so inspired him.

Craig was father to Jason (1980-2018); m. Rebecca; Tyler (1984-1985) and Cole, who recently relocated back to Ft. Collins. Craig leaves behind his wife Susan, son, Cole, and three grandchildren, Jude, Caden, and Quinn, and a granddoxie, Penny Lane.

Susan and Cole thank the healthcare teams from the ICU and PCU at Poudre Valley Hospital for Craig's care, their compassion, and extended friendship. Celebrate Craig by taking a walk and talking to your neighbors on the street.