OSHKOSH − The Oshkosh community will gather Aug. 9 to remember Jaelyn and Lenora Manke, the sisters who died July 31 in Winneconne.
Family, friends and community members are invited to a candlelight vigil at Poplar Creek Barn, 4541 County Road K, beginning at 7 p.m.
Oshkosh vigil will honor Jaelyn and Lenora Manke
The evening of remembrance will include candles, stories and prayers for “two beautiful souls who touched so many lives,” according to organizers.
“While we mourn this unimaginable loss, we also celebrate the incredible blessing of having known and loved Jaelyn and Lenora,” organizers wrote.
“The love they gave and the memories they created will remain in our hearts forever.”
Candles will be provided, though attendees may bring their own, according to the event description.
The family has asked attendees not to take photos or videos during the vigil, saying the gathering is for “our family and friends.”
“Thank you for surrounding our family with your love, prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time,” organizers wrote in a social media post. “Your presence means more than words can express as we remember Jaelyn and Lenora and keep their light shining brightly in our hearts forever.”
The family said memorial and celebration of life details will be shared later.
Deaths remain under investigation in Winneconne
Oshkosh was thrown into mourning after Lenora, 11, and Jaelyn, 16, were found dead with their father, 57-year-old Jeffrey Manke, around 7 p.m. July 31.
Authorities had been sent to a home in the 500 block of Division Street in the village of Winneconne for a medical incident and welfare check.
Investigators determined the deaths were part of an isolated incident based on evidence at the scene and information gathered during the investigation.
No further information was immediately released, and the investigation remained active.
Court documents show Manke was in Winnebago County Circuit Court for divorce proceedings July 31. The court deemed both he and his ex-wife “fit and proper persons to be given joint legal custody” of their children.
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Vigil planned for Jaelyn and Lenora Manke in Oshkosh
Reporting by Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern | USA TODAY Network
