Wisconsin Woman Reunites with Sister in Illinois, Rediscovering Historic Landmark
A Wisconsin resident celebrated a milestone birthday with a trip to Illinois, unexpectedly reconnecting with a significant piece of her personal history.
Susan Manzke of Sunnybook Farm in Seymour, Wisconsin, turned 75 at the end of August and embarked on a weekend visit with her sister, Karen, in Illinois, accompanied by her daughter Rachel. The trip included a stop at Old Plank Pizza Company in Frankfort, Illinois, where Manzke was surprised to discover the restaurant was built on the site of the former Frankfort Grain and Lumber Company, where she worked and met her late husband, Bob, in the early 1970s.
During her time at the grain and lumber company, Manzke worked as a bookkeeper and clerk, recalling weighing trucks and wagons delivering grain. She shared a story about a conversation with Bob Manzke, her future husband, while assisting him with paint for a shaker. “Your dad brought grain in to sell, like all the other farmers,” she recounted to her daughter Rachel. “One day Bob had a gallon of paint he wanted to put on our paint shaker…That day we talked and talked about farming and dairy cows.” This chance encounter ultimately led to a visit to the Manzke farm and their eventual marriage. The Frankfort Area Historical Society preserves local history, including information about the area’s agricultural roots.
The reunion with her sister and friend Joyce, along with the rediscovery of the historic site, made the birthday trip particularly meaningful for Manzke, who hadn’t been back to Illinois in years. The emotional impact of revisiting places tied to cherished memories is increasingly recognized as important for well-being, particularly for older adults. Manzke and her family are already discussing a return visit to Mokena, Illinois.
Officials have not commented on the historical significance of the site, but Manzke’s story highlights the importance of preserving local landmarks and the personal connections they hold for communities.
