Charles McManigal

Charles W. McManigal (“C.W.”), age 73, long-time Mason City attorney, died peacefully and with dignity at his home following a lengthy illness on May, 4, 2013.  His devoted wife, Nancy, was at his side, as well as family.  A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, May, 10, 2013 at the Historic Park Inn Hotel, Mason City.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greater Iowa Alzheimer’s Association, 1730 28th St., West Des Moines, IA 50266.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at 2386 244th St., Ventura, IA 50482.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Charles W. McManigal was born on May 6, 1939, in Omaha, Neb., the son of Fay and Irene (Brooks) McManigal.  He was raised on a farm in Glenwood, Iowa, and graduated from Glenwood High School in 1957, where he was a standout athlete in basketball and football.  On June 14, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, Sharidon June Evans, and to that union three children were born, Mark, John and Mary.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in business from the University of Iowa in 1960 and earned his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1963.  C.W. joined the law firm of Westfall, Laird and Burington in 1963 and became a partner in 1967. He developed a successful law practice with an emphasis in labor law, both private and public sectors.  He greatly enjoyed collective bargaining and representing many north Iowa school districts. He was most proud of having practiced for 41 years at the same law firm.  C.W. considered community service to be a privilege, and not a duty. He served on the Board of Directors of Liberty Bank & Trust, as Chairman of Mason City United Way, as a Director and President of Good Shepard Geriatric Center, and as President of the Iowa State Council of School Board Attorneys.  

C.W. developed a love for the game of golf and achieved a high level of success competitively. More than the game of golf, he enjoyed the many friendships he developed through the sport at the Mason City Country Club and Rice Lake Golf and Country Club. 

On Oct. 30, 2003, he married Nancy C. (Halvorson) Fandel, and he gained another son, Joe. He and Nancy lived in Ventura Heights with JoJo Junior, Sissy, Cooper and other furry friends. Nancy provided unparalleled love and care for him in their home until his death.  He could not have asked for more love and comfort in his last days.  During his life, he made countless friends and touched numerous lives through his work and love for people.  His friendships were life-long and steadfast, such as the relationship he had until the present day with Glenwood childhood friend, Wendell Filkins. C.W.’s wry sense of humor and quick wit were ever-present in his interactions with people. These traits were the very way he demonstrated his affection for others. He lived his life fully and he achieved much success; however, his family was his true pride and joy.  While he will be missed, his spirit lives on through all the lives he impacted during his time on earth.  

His life and spirit are celebrated by his surviving family; his wife, Nancy; son, Mark McManigal of Corona del Mar, Calif.; son, John McManigal and his wife, Caroline, of Mason City; daughter, Mary McManigal of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and step-son, Joe Fandel, and his wife, Ashley, of Urbandale, Iowa; as well as his favorite nephew and niece, Steven McManigal of Moline, Ill., and Susan McManigal of Montclair, N.J.; and his mother-in-law, Mavis Halvorson Olson, of Lake Mills, Iowa.  

He was cherished by his grandchildren, Reed McManigal, of Iowa City, Iowa; Paige Akins and her husband, Jay, of Irvine, Calif.; Morgan McManigal of Mason City; Britt Burnett of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Quentin Kantaris and his wife, Chelsea, of Flagstaff, Ariz.; Callie Schoening of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Holden and Sawyer Fandel of Urbandale, Iowa; and great-grandchildren, Alexa and Karter Rothfus of Thousand Oaks, Calif. 

C.W. was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Irene McManigal; and his brother, Judson McManigal.  

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.