Gloria Mae (Wicklund) Manninen, 91 of Cromwell passed away at Villa Vista Care Center on Wednesday February 4, 2026. Born May 2, 1934 to Victor and Lempi (Mannila) Wicklund in Superior, Wisconsin.   

Gloria grew up in Sawyer, Minnesota and graduated from Carlton High School. She married Robert Manninen on October 8, 1960 in Cromwell, Minnesota. Gloria loved crocheting, going to polka fests and doing jigsaw puzzles. She always had a puzzle in progress and anyone who walked by or stopped in would put in a few pieces. She did 1000 piece puzzles as she thought anything less was for “wimps.” 

Gloria worked for the Cromwell School district as secretary for 20 years and retired in 1991. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church.   

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, her sisters Audrey Wright and Sally Switzer.  She is survived by her children Kay (Billy) Smith, Wanda Shiflett, Roger (Terri) Manninen.    Grandchildren Travis, Amanda (husband Peter), Kelcie (Kaleb), Adam, Logan (Ashley) Shiflett, and Nevaeh. Two great grandchildren Ian and Aydin Altan.  Sister Wilma Heikkila. Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law Larry and Dee Debele, Sister-in-law Judy Manninen and many nieces and nephews.  Gloria thoroughly enjoyed her time at the Villa and visiting with family and friends. 

The family would like to thank the Villa Vista staff, St Croix hospice for their compassion in the care of our Mom, Grandmother. 

A service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell, MN at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior. Lunch will follow. Family burial in the spring.