Lonnie Berwyn Mangler, Sr.

   Lonnie Berwyn Mangler passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the age of 71.

   Lonnie was born on October 10, 1951 at the Savanna hospital in Savanna, IL to Chuck and Shirley Mangler. He grew up and graduated in 1969 from East Central in Sabula, IA. By his junior year of high school he had already joined the Milwaukee Railroad as a section man. After graduating, he attended Westmar University in Iowa where he played basketball and studied Physical Education as well as Coaching.

   He married Lynne Ketelsen and they had 3 children together; Lonnie Jr., Chad and Lesley.

   In 1978, the world stood still when he met the love of his life Lisa Hudson in Bettendorf, IA. Shortly after, they were united in marriage on November 8, 1980 in Savanna, IL. Anyone that knew these two quickly realized they were soulmates. They settled in Savanna, IL and stayed there for the next 17 years. In that time they had 2 children; Megan and Mack. In 1997, Lonnie was relocated for the railroad and they packed up the family and moved to Enderlin, ND.

   He finally retired on December 15, 2012 after 44 years on the railroad as a conductor. Afterwards, to keep busy he worked part time at the Enderlin Hardware Hank where he enjoyed his coworkers and chatting with all of the customers.

   All throughout his life he enjoyed sports. When he was young, he was even able to play in the Youth World Series. He also played men’s slow pitch softball for over 20 years with the Upper Deck Softball Team sporting the #31. He and Lisa loved traveling to and playing summer softball. In his later years, he loved going to all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and was always there to cheer them on and give them a few pointers.

   A few of his favorite things in retirement were traveling with Lisa, going to all the cassinos (especially if there was a free gift), and of course finding a good place to eat.

   He is survived by his 5 children; Lon Jr. (Tina), Chad, Lesley, Megan (Nathan) and Mack (Rachel). Sisters Connie (Jim) and Carla (Dan), brother John (Sharon), brothers-in-law Jeff (Wanda) and Mark (Linda). Sisters-in-law Kimberlee (Rick) and Julie (Brian). Grandchildren Abbie (Curtis), Colby (Alexandrea), Drew, Paige, Jake, Ethan, Bella, Tarin and Cooper. He was also blessed to have 4 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Madison, Ellie and Isla; as well as many nieces and nephews that he adored.

   He is preceded in death by his parents Chuck and Shirley, his in-laws Gerald and Janet and daughter in law, Paula. His infant son Benjamin, and his wife Lisa.

   In lieu of flowers, Lonnie’s family is asking that you please consider donating to the Heart Program of Enderlin or the Enderlin Youth Baseball Team - C/O Dustin Nelson at 111 Center Street in Enderlin, ND 58027 .

   Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., at the Enderlin VFW (Schwandt-Goodman Post 9050), Enderlin, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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