Deane Monroe Manbeck, age 94, passed away on September 4, 2026, at Riley Crossing Senior Living in Chanhassen, Minnesota. A family gathering in his honor will be held at a later date.

Deane was born on March 17, 1932, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to Preston John William Manbeck and Marie Antoinette (Larsen) Manbeck. He graduated from Little Falls High School and continued his education in St. Paul, Minnesota, attending Hamline University and the University of Minnesota. He eventually earned a Ph.D. in agricultural engineering, specializing in irrigation and drainage.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Deane spent four years as a Methodist missionary in the rural areas of the former Rhodesia. Upon returning to Minnesota for graduate school, he met Connie Brooks at the Methodist Wesley House on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. Deane and Connie married on June 11, 1960, and served as resident advisers at Wesley House for several years.

After completing his graduate studies, Deane began an academic career as a university professor, first in Medellín, Colombia, and later at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. During his years in Nebraska, he developed an interest in international consulting on large-scale irrigation projects.

Eventually, Deane left academia to join Harza Engineering. During that time, he and Connie lived and worked in Lahore, Pakistan; Naperville, Illinois; Malang, Indonesia; and Lombok, Indonesia. Deane also consulted on irrigation projects around the world, including in Jamaica, Antigua, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Argentina, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Arizona, among many other locations.

In retirement, Deane and Connie relocated to Richfield, Minnesota, and eventually to Chanhassen. In recent years, Deane devoted himself to caring for Connie as she descended into dementia. After Connie’s death in December 2025, Deane’s health deteriorated quickly following a series of strokes.

Throughout their years together and between their many international travels, Deane and Connie always returned to their rustic, charming island cabin on Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota. Deane was able to visit the cabin one last time, just two weeks before his death. He deeply appreciated experiencing its beauty and serenity during what he knew would be his final days.

Deane is survived by his children, Kevin (Angie) Manbeck, Krista Abrahams, and Keith (Tracey) Manbeck; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Maurice, Keith, and Duane Manbeck; his sister, Dorothy Bachman; and his son-in-law, Andrew Abrahams.

Although Deane’s life has come to an end, his life of service continues. He was very proud to donate his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. His remains will further the research and educational mission of the University.