Passing of SA Michael "Mike" J. Manns

On June 23, 2025, just four months after retiring from a 37-year career serving his country, Michael “Mike” J. Mans passed away at the age of 62 after losing his battle with an aggressive form of cancer. His passing is having a profound effect on the family as they work to return Mike to Minnesota and assemble as a family to grieve their loss.

Mike and his wife, Barb, had just begun a well-earned retirement in North Carolina, when he passed away. His loss has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him—and a profound challenge for his family.

Mike was a Soldier and Army civilian who dedicated his life to protecting others—through multiple combat deployments and intelligence missions across Europe, his decades of leadership and mentorship left a lasting legacy of duty and selfless service. The greatest testimony to his impact on others is the fact that all of his children chose a life of service to others. Three are serving in the Army and two are teachers.

Michael is survived by his wife, Barb, his 5 sons and their families, and was the proud “Pops” to seven grandchildren.

Some of Mike's friends have set up a Go Fund Me Page to help Mike's family, which can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-the-family-of-michael-mike-j-mans?attribution_id=sl:5dcff07f-e8c2-47ba-b444-63c3ec8139ef&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_t2-amp15_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link_modal

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Why They're Raising Funds

Barb is facing not only unimaginable grief, but also the immediate financial burdens that come with losing a spouse so suddenly—funeral expenses, travel arrangements for family, and the potential costs of another move to be closer to family and a support structure back in Minnesota.

Your donation will directly support Barb and their family by helping with:

• Funeral and memorial services

• Travel and lodging for burial with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minnesota

• Near term living expenses as Barb adjusts to the loss of Michael and unanticipated expenses

Even if you never met Mike, your generosity helps honor a man who gave everything in service to his country—and to the people he loved.

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About Mike

Mike's journey began in New Prague, Minnesota, and took him around the world. He served in the Minnesota National Guard, deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, and later served as a Department of the Army Civilian in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Virginia, culminating in his role as the Department of the Army G2’s Chief of Counterintelligence (CI) Division, where Michael led critical transformation efforts, building a more robust and modern CI force, helping the Army better to counter our nation’s adversaries.

He was an avid marathon runner (including in Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and even during deployments). He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, and a man who built homes—and a life—filled with love and purpose. He and Barb raised a beautiful family and shared countless adventures across Europe and beyond. He also loved golf which is why they initially settled in NC. Close to some great courses, but also centrally located to be present and supportive of their sons serving in the military.

How You Can Help

If you’re able, please consider:

1. Making a donation—any amount helps, and every dollar goes directly to Barb

2. Sharing this page on social media or with anyone who may want to honor Mike

3. Keeping Barb and the entire Mans family in your thoughts and prayers

Let’s come together to lift up this family and show that the spirit of compassion and gratitude still runs strong.

With heartfelt thanks,

All of us honoring Mike’s legacy