Birth date: Dec 13, 1931 Death date: Apr 13, 2018
Dick Manatt, 86, died April 13, 2018 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will take place on Thursday, April 26th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Collegiate United Methodist Church 2622 Lincoln Way, Ame Read Obituary
At my final defense in 2004, Dr. Manatt announced to his peers that I was his last PhD he would shepherd through. I was honored. He never scolded me for being so slow at finishing, though I am sure I tested even his infinite patience. Thank you, Dr. Manatt.
Jackie and family. It is with a sad heart that we are now are only left with fond memories of our beloved Major Professor. Dick was so dear to our DoDDs Family. You were a part of it. He saw each of us to our degrees. I will always remember my alma mater, ISU and the man who brought us there.
Love, Scarlett
Dr. Manatt (Dick) had a profound impact on my life. As teachers do, I was attending an inservice where he was one of the presenters. As chance would have it, he and I ended up in the rest room at the same time during a break. He struck up a conversation, asked about my interests, what I taught, etc. and before we left he encouraged me to come to ISU. Though it didn't work out that year, the following year I ended up in Ames.
I fondly remember his classes and how he often positioned a conversation so you all but fell into learning something important. As my major professor I recall a brief meeting where I said I couldn't find any research related to my topic, and with a slight tilt of his head and a smile he said something like, "You mean in all of human history no one has ever thought to ask your question or something close to it?" One of those "A ha" moments. I also recall his direct method of getting me to complete my dissertation - he told me his was going to retire soon so if I wanted him to continue to be my major professor, I better hurry. Another one of those "A ha" moments I will always remember.
His dedication to learning and students was amazing. His willingness and focus on sharing his knowledge, in many ways, was unique. I am a much better person for having known him and been guided by him. He was indeed a blessing.
My thoughts and prayers to Jackie and the family.
David Putz, Ames, IA (Class of 2000)
"forever young for a .....\
Jackie and family, I have many fond memories of Dr. Manatt
when I was employed as Secretary for the School Improvement
Model Projects from 1981 - 1991. In 1983 my husband, Doug,
was transferred to eastern Iowa. Dick wrote me an outstanding
letter of recommendation which helped me obtain a position
at the University of Iowa. In 1986, Doug was promoted to a USDA
position in the Ames area. I contacted Dick to see if there were
any positions he knew that were available. He said he would hire
me back to work for SIM as they had an opening. I was very pleased
to come back to work with colleagues I was familiar with and very
grateful to Dick. He was a great person to work under and had a
great personality and sense of humor.
I remember lunches and great conversations about many topics
ranging from sports, movies, books, and cars to education and
politics. Dick was very knowledgeable in these and many others.
I remember seeing Dick in the early mornings at the Lied
Recreation Center. I also remember many of the 177 PhDs
he graduated. He was their Major Professor and he called
me their "Major Mom" as I was responsible for processing
all of their paperwork for graduation.
Dick was Iowa State. He had a real passion for teacher and
administrator evaluation. He will be missed by many who knew him.
I feel honored to have worked for Dick and to have known
him. I will be thinking of you, Jackie, and all of your family
as I am unable to be there tomorrow.
Take comfort in knowing that Dick is now at peace and with
his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Judy Welland
April 25, 2018
Jackie, we are saddened by Dick's passing, and our thoughts are with you and your family in this time of grief and loss. As we reflect, we are so thankful that both you and Dick have been a part of our lives over all these years. For me and so many others, Dick was a mentor, a colleague, a task master, a friend and confidant, and always the consummate professor and gentleman. Dick has had a profound impact on the professional lives of so many of us. It was his voice that carried the message of professional accountability in schooling literally around the world, long before it became a part of our professional dialogue. Dick was an Iowa Stater to the core. His many friends and colleagues, the profession of schooling, and Iowa State will miss his presence. Ken and Carolynne Palmer
As one of Dick's 177 Ph.D. students, I want to offer condolences to his family and say thank you for sharing him with so many of us. I owe a big debt of gratitude to Dick for seeing me through my program of study, my dissertation, and putting up with me long distance after I moved from Iowa to Arizona and needed the time to finish my program. I learned so much from Dick during my time at ISU - knowing him was a blessing. Steve Nance, Chandler, AZ
Jackie and family: I was sad to learn of Dick’s death. I was one of Dick’s 177 graduate students that he recruited to attend Iowa State University. His leadership and vision for education will be missed in Iowa and the United States. I am very thankful for Dick’s assistance in my working in education and in widening my experiences because of his vision. He was a leader in encouraging educators to look at successful practices in other professions that could be profitable to educators and to be comfortable in trying new educational practices. I appreciated his advice and assistance. Joe Millard
Jackie and Family - I was sad to hear of Dick's passing. He was a great mentor to me and helped this Ph.D #150 finish a stalled dissertation. Years later you and Dick even took the time to attend my retirement party in Adel. He was a national and international speaker, yet willing to provide training for our small school faculty. Dick made a positive difference for countless students by encouraging educators to make continuous improvement. May you find comfort in the words of our Lord. Tim Hoffman, Adel
I had the greatest admiration for Dick. He was always the gentleman and dapper as could be. Such a life of dedication. Jackie, may you and family be upheld in this time by our loving Lord's Presence with you. Bob Farr
