Obituary: Arthur M. Manisto

Arthur M. Manisto, 85, of Cloquet passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Nov. 12, 2023. He was born on Sept. 2, 1938, the son of Arnie and Hilda (Forstie) Manisto.

Arthur grew up in Esko and graduated from Esko High School, where he excelled on the basketball and football teams. He was a member of Esko’s first state basketball tournament team in 1955.

In 1961, he graduated from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis.

Arthur married Gail Carlson on Nov. 25, 1961, at Bethany Covenant Church, and they made their home in Minneapolis for the next two years. They returned to the area, settling in Cloquet, when Arthur began working for Carlton Machine Production in the fall of 1963. Following its closing, he worked for Moline in Duluth as a machinist and plant manager for more than 30 years, retiring in 2001.

Arthur enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially while at the cabin on Eagle Lake that the couple owned for many years. He also enjoyed traveling, camping and playing horseshoes.

He could fix just about anything and was skilled at improving his home.

He was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and served as a Sunday School teacher. He also served as a coach during his children’s school sport careers.

Arthur will be remembered as a genuinely good and well-respected person.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; sons, Scott (Teri), Todd (Julie) and Shawn (Shelly); grandchildren, Kyle, Jake, Derek, Trevor and Bailey; special niece, Cassandra (James) Quinn; brothers Ray and Jack (Debra); sister-in-law Pat; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers John (Betty) and James; and sister-in-law Patsy.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service on Friday, Nov. 17 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet. A lunch reception will follow in the social hall. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.