Jo Dodge-Manz

Mildred “Jo” Josephyne Wells Dodge-Manz Mildred Dodge-Manz passed away August 9, 2016 at the Topeka Homestead Assisted Living. Mildred was 94 years old, born in Asherville, Kansas, the daughter of the late F.O. Wells and Josephyne (Maughn) Wells. Mildred had a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Kansas and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and a Counseling Degree from KSU. Upon graduation she began teaching and coaching in the Emporia School District, where she became friends of Coach Dean Smith Sr. & Dean Smith Jr. In 1946, she moved to Topeka to teach and coach at Topeka High School. On October 28, 1951 she was united in marriage to Jack Royce Dodge from Topeka, and he preceded her in death on July 2, 1959. Mildred began teaching and coaching at the Manhattan Junior High School in 1960, where she was the women’s physical education teacher and later a school counselor. She retired from education in 1987 after 27 years at Manhattan Junior High, giving her a total 37 years. Mildred married Frank A. Manz of Manhattan in 1973, and preceded her in death in 1992. She was an avid fan and donor to Kansas State Athletics for decades, a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church, she traveled extensively and excelled at playing bridge, winning numerous awards and accolades. Mildred was a loving mother and teacher who will be remembered for her courage and strength. Mildred was the mother of three children, Donna Dodge, Topeka, James Dodge (Sharon) Topeka, and Jack Dodge of Manhattan. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Stephanie Dodge, Matthew Dodge, Erica Dodge, Gracie Dodge, Ben Gordon & Sarah Fleener and four great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Dodge, Kaleigh Dodge, Bailey Fleener & Laci Fleener. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, and five brothers, Max, Yale, Weston, William, and Edward Wells. Visitation will be held at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Friday, Aug. 12, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 13 at the funeral home. A graveside service will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka at 12:00 noon following the service. For more information or to send an online condolence, visit www.irvinparkview.com.