William Frederick Mantifel's Obituary
William (Bill) F. MantifelFebruary 21, 1915 , March 15, 2003Bill passed peacefully away early Saturday Morning. He had been in Allenmore Hospital since last Wednesday after collapsing in his home that morning.He was born and raised on a farm in Ortonville, Minnesota. Bill was the oldest boy of his siblings It has been said that if it were not for him their family would not have been farmers. However, the last thing Bill ever wanted to do was be in farming when he grew ,- up.He secretly learned to drive when he was twelve. Bill would take all his sisters and brothers for a ride up and down the dirt roads around the farm when his parent went to town. The children would grab tree branches and wipe out the tire tracks when they were down. Bill always had a sense of courage and adventure.Hard work brought success to whatever Bill put his hand too. He had the reputation of the best bulldozer for logging companies in Washington and Oregon. His life was used as a main character (Wild Bill) for novel called ,"The Woods were Full of Men.," He then worked on the DEW line in Alaska. His last job was as a barge master for Crowley Maritime Corporation.Bill retired at age 71 and lived in Tacoma with his wife Elvera until he passed away. He was well known for his humor and never a quitter to his last day.He is survived by his wife Elvera, daughter Judy & husband Dennis Cutting, Stepsons Bob Wingate & wife Susan, Greg Wingate and wife Jan, Dennis Wingate and wife Anna, Doug Wingate and wife Laurie. He has 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.Bill also has brothers Emil Mantifel of Minneapolis, MN, Raymond Mantifel of Sun City, AR and Earl Mantifel of Terebone, OR. He is preceded in death by stepson Byron Wingate and sister Berdina, Josephine and Florence.A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 22, 2003 at 10:00 AM in the Mt. View Garden Chapel.
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