Rawlin Joseph "Joe" Manak, 84, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Prairie Village Retirement Center in Columbus.

A Celebration of Life will be held  at 4:30 PM on Friday, January 9, at the Eagles Club (3205 12th Street, Columbus). Private family interment with military honors will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery.

Rawlin Joseph "Joe" Manak was born on July 10, 1941, in Clarkson, Nebraska, to John and Jennie (Kucera) Manak. He grew up in rural Stanton County and attended Clarkson High School. In 1959, he joined the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1962. After his military discharge, Joe moved to Columbus and on June 1, 1963, was united in marriage to Sharron Smith.

Joe worked at Dale Electronics for 38 years as an inspector and supervisor and also did construction work during that time. He was a member of the American Legion. Joe enjoyed horseback riding, cooking, gardening, hunting and fishing.

Joe is survived by:
Son: Brett (Rebecca) Manak of Columbus, NE
Granddaughters: Gabrielle (Corey) Bright, Brianna, Natasha & Claudia
Great grandson: Maokai Manak
Daughter: Becki Baker of Columbus, NE
Grandson: Dylan (Bella) Baker
Great grandchildren: Ashton, Arrow & Camille
Son: Ben (Jessica) Manak of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren: Wyatt & McKenzie
Sister: Martha Larson of Omaha, NE
Special Friend: Sharon Werner of Valparaiso, NE

Joe was preceded in death by:
Parents: John & Jennie Manak
Wife: Sharron Manak
Brother: Elden (Mary Ann) Manak
Sister: Adella (Joey) Tomasek
Sister: Marcella (Adolph) Shonka
Brother-in-law: Dennis Larson