Date Of Birth: January 5, 1920
Date Of Death: January 19, 2011

MaWilbur Ostrem Manuel passed away on January 19, 2011. Wilbur was born on January 5, 1920 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Upon graduating from The South Dakota School of Mines with a BA of Science in Metallurgical Engineering, Wilbur married his lovely bride Helen Baumgartner, on September 21, 1942. The very next day the young couple began a cross-country drive, on their way to Flint, Michigan, to begin their new life together. Wilbur started his career at AC Spark Plug that same year, retiring from the company in 1980 as a senior manager of materials specifications. Upon his retirement, Helen and Wilbur moved to Florida where they lived 29 wonderful years together. They moved to Indianapolis in January of 2009, to be closer to their family. Wilbur had a passion for playing cards, and it was also one of his favorite ways to spend time with family; in this he was very competitive, teaching children and grandchildren alike the art of playful winning and gracious losing. Along with becoming a scoutmaster for his two sons, Wilbur also enjoyed sharing his love of golf with his sons and with his daughter Pam. He taught life lessons through simple things like grocery shopping with daughter Deena, and all of his children came to know that they could rely on his unconditional love. Wilbur was fond of saying that he still had the first dollar he ever made. His son-in-law Jim Lemons coined his well-worn nickname, ‘Dollar Bill’, providing the family with a way to honor Wilbur’s frugality. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents Judith (Ostrem) and Charles Manuel; his oldest son, Randall Charles (Irene Peeler); his granddaughter Cynthia Ann Manuel; and his loving wife Helen Manuel (Baumgartner). He is survived by his son Dennis Lee (Darlene); his daughters Pamela Kristine Lemons (James) and Nadeen (Deena) Rae Paliani; and his 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grand children. Wilbur was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. A graveside service will be followed by a memorial celebration on April 30. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital, IU Foundation – IU Kenya Partnership / PO Box 660245, Indianapolis, IN 46266-0245. Arrangements are being handled by Harry Moore Funeral Home.