Barbara Manthe

MARQUETTE, MI-With a spirit as boundless as her love for adventure, Barbara Jean “Bugs” Manthe lived a life full of curiosity, warmth, and joy. At 84, she passed away on February 10, 2025, at her beloved home in Marquette, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration.

Born and raised in Marquette, Barbara’s journey was anything but ordinary. She blazed trails early on as a tried-and-true Mariner scout then becoming one of Marquette’s first high school female foreign exchange students, spending a transformative year in Norway followed by college summer study abroad programs in Mexico. Her passion for linguistic knowledge, culture and travel carried her through an incredible academic journey.

Barbara’s love of language and the world’s joy shaped her life. A gifted educator, fluent in four languages–Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English–she didn’t just teach; she opened doors to the world for her students.

Traveling was one of her greatest joys, particularly throughout Latin America, where she spent much time in Costa Rica with her second husband, Manuel Chamorro, where she embraced new and old experiences with the same joyfulness and wonder that defined her.

But Barbara was much more than her accomplishments–she was a force of nature, strength in example, a bright light always never dimmed, warming all whom she met. Music’s essence was woven into her soul; she played the piano, flute, and guitar with pleasure but danced as it were her heart’s and heaven’s only reason, a graceful elegance only her vibrant spirit could partner.

She found pure happiness on the beaches of Lake Superior, sand under feet sifting in the rhythm of Gitche Gumee’s song, and in the laughter shared with those she loved. No matter where her travels took her, Marquette was always home–the place she held dearest in her heart. Barbara’s warmth, infallible kindness, wit, and adventurous nature will be forever cherished by those who knew her.

She is survived by her loving family–her brother Keith Kepler, her son, Jonathan Manthe; and her daughter, Lisa Manthe.

She is reunited in peace with her parents, Celia Kovamaki and William Kepler, as well as her first husband, Dennis Manthe, and second husband, Manuel Chamorro.

To know Barbara was to know joy love and happiness. She lived with an open heart, a fearless spirit, and an unwavering zest for life. And if there’s one thing, she would want us to remember, it’s this: she had a blast! Her laughter, her wisdom, and her love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A private graveside service was held at Park Cemetery.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.