Gail Manney

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Gail Marie Manney (Edwards) on December 15, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, she is deeply beloved and mourned by her husband, Gary Manney; daughter, Halie Langanki (Joseph Panos); brothers, Joel and Mike Edwards; and many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Edwards (nee Lang), and father, Burwyn Edwards.

Gail was born on June 27, 1962, and raised in Streator, Illinois, where she attended Streator Township High School and graduated in 1980. A talented and determined athlete, she excelled as a swimmer and cheerleader. She was a pioneer in women's sports by being the only girl on the all-boys club swim team before the girl's club team existed. Gail cherished time at the historical family farm in Marathon, Wisconsin. She attended Eastern Illinois University before moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, to pursue a successful career in sales.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, she modeled an unmatched example of love, empathy, and courage. Gail was human sunshine. Her infectious laugh, disarming wit, and outgoing nature made those around her feel the hope and wonder she carried so easily. She built a full life in Minnesota with her husband, Gary, sharing a love of adventure and community. She was a nurturing mother and best friend to Halie, supporting her through schooling (PTA member, volunteer) and sports (coach, referee). She faithfully attended and encouraged at every swim meet throughout her daughter's swim career. Gail regularly opened her home and heart to friends and fellow swim team families, even leading parent events and designing team apparel.

Her grace and strength expressed themselves in great feats-from summiting Mount Rainier, excelling in trail and obstacle races, to completing service trips such as constructing wells in Haiti. Gail's charm, kindness, and strong sense of justice made people feel seen and chosen. She brought people together through hosting, always saving a seat at her table for those who needed a place to belong, and volunteer work supporting women and children. A lover of the outdoors and God's creation, she found joy hiking with her family, traveling to over eighteen countries, nurturing her garden, dancing in the kitchen, and caring deeply for all animals. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a covenant partner at Woodland Hills Church.

Gail showed us how good life can be. She is unforgettable and inimitable, and her warmth and vitality live on in every life she touched. Her beauty will remain with us always.

Her Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for June 27, 2026.