Richard was born in Sioux City, Iowa on June 29, 1933 the son of Herman and Mathilde (Ecker) Mahnke. Richard was a veteran having served in the U. S. Army. He had received the National Defense service medal and the U. S. Army Occupation medal.

Richard married married Margaret Miller in California on August 1978.

Richard moved from California to Yerington where he has been a resident for the past 22 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He was a member of the Mason Valley Moose Lodge and he very much enjoyed his friends at the lodge.

He is survived by his wife Margaret (Maggie) Mahnke of Yerington; his sons, Terry Mahnke of Ogdensburg, New York and Douglas Mahnke of Sacramento, California; his daughters, Tonia of Seattle, Washington and Donna Ray of Yerington; his 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Richard at 11:00 am Sunday, July 14th at the Mason Valley Moose Lodge, 644 S. Main Street, Yerington.

Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book and leave messages for the family at www.FRFH.net, sympathy cards may be sent directly to Maggie from this site.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911.

Donations may be made in Richard's name to the XL Hopsice, 5705 Maine Street Fallon, NV 89406.