Fred L. “Freddy” Mahnke

Fred L. Mahnke

(January 25, 1940 – June 23, 2024 )

Fred Leroy “Freddy” Mahnke , 84, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 5:37 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Shelbyville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Shelbyville, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Stewardson Cemetery, with Pastor Barry West officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to Traditions Hospice.

Fred was born on January 25, 1940, in rural Mode, IL, the son of Elmer and Berdie (Brown) Mahnke. He attended school at Stewardson-Strasburg and later at Cowden.  Fred began working on the family farm at an early age.  He also worked for several area farmers, Norge in Effingham, Ron Shirley in Mattoon, and retired from Hennings Feed & Crop Care Center in Shelbyville.  Fred loved Allis-Chalmers tractors and was a gifted mechanic.  He was a tractor pulling enthusiast and a member of the Mahnke Pulling Team with his father and brothers.  Fred collected Allis-Chalmers memorabilia and many trophies from his tractor pulling days.  He married Barbara Ellen Severe on January 23, 1992, and she preceded him in death on December 5, 2021.  Fred will be remembered for his trustworthiness, dependability, and quick wit.

Fred is survived by his stepdaughter, Joyce Cambruzzi (Ray) of Wilmington, IL; stepson, Mike Severe of Wilmington, IL; sister, Betty Mahnke of Stewardson, IL; and many step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara Mahnke; stepdaughter, Judy Wilkey; twin-sister, Rose Mary Schlanser; and brothers, Jimmy, Albert, and Kenny.