Charles August Manthe Jr.

Charles August Manthe Jr., known affectionately as Sonny, 76, of Topeka, passed away in his home Saturday, December 6, 2025.

He was born August 8, 1949, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Charles Sr. and Ora (Rice) Manthe. He graduated from Lansing High School in 1967.

Charles was employed with Hallmark Cards for many years, retiring in 1985. He later obtained his CDL license and drove his million-miles. He then worked for Caldwell John Deer in Topeka and he finished working full time for Brauma Excavating. He was an avid farmer, moving closer to family in Topeka, on a small farm, where he continued to hay and do farm chores alongside his horse, Sally, and donkey, Jack.

Charles married Tana Johnson on July 5, 1968 in Weston, MO. She survives. Other survivors include sons, Charles A. Manthe III (Danny Salgado) of California, Clay D. (Christina) Manthe of Auburn; grandchildren, Caraela (Adam) Miller, Cameron (Paula) Manthe, Caitlynn Manthe, and Calvin Manthe all of Topeka; great grandchild, Lawson Miller; siblings, Diane Potter, Charlotte Tenfelde, Janice Grabeal, David Manthe, and Debbie Bozarth, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Chi.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Charles was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed drag racing and was a member of the NHRA, traveling, fishing, bird hunting, haying, riding horses, gardening and riding ATVs and UTVs with his sons. You could typically find him at the flea markets and car swap meets haggling a good deal. He never met a stranger. He had a love for a good family meal, eating Christina’s enchiladas, the family weenie roasts and telling funny stories with all those around. He was a hard-working man always fixing and making things better, working on tractors and helping his son in his mechanic shop. He loved his family and rarely missed a football game or cheerleading event for his grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Auburn Civic Center, 1020 Washington St, Auburn, KS 66402.

Memorial contributions may be made to Redwings Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, donate online here.

To share a memory of Charles or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.