Frances Ann Manley

Frances Ann Manley, age 79, of Cedar Rapids, IA, formerly of Albia, IA, passed away surrounded by her loved ones, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. Frances was born on July 31, 1946, to George Harold “Had” and Betty (Smith) Kausalik, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. She grew up attending school in Albia and graduated from the Albia High School with the Class of 1964. Frances was united in marriage to Jackie “Jack” Manley on May 18, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, where Frances remained an active member and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Frances and Jack were blessed with 2 children, Monica and Michael, and shared 54 years of marriage prior to Jack’s passing. A talented cook and baker, Frances’ kitchen was always open and her hospitality reached many through holidays meals she prepared for others, as well as helping with events, such as the Election Day dinners at the church. She was a baker for the Albia Community School District before she and Jack owned and operated Maid Rite in Chariton and later Main Street Café in Albia for several years, where Frances became known for her excellent pies. Frances had a very generous heart and thoroughly enjoyed helping anyone in need. She loved visiting with people and never met a stranger. She enjoyed British comedies, dramas, and a good murder mystery, and she was an avid reader who always had a book nearby. Frances is survived by her children, Monica Wagner of Marion and Michael (Cami) Manley of Waukee; 4 grandchildren, London Wagner, Garret Wagner, Cole Manley, and Brynn Manley; her siblings, Barbara (Denny) Maddy of Marion, IA, Ed (Linda) Kausalik of Grimes, IA, Phil (Ruth) Kausalik of Waukee, IA, Mim (Dennis) Kurimski of Melrose, IA, Kristine Kausalik (Don Bouslaugh) of Ankeny, IA, Angie (Wally) Wagner of Oelwein, IA, and a sister-in-law, Meg Kausalik of Pewaukee, WI. Frances is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Manley; her parents, Harold and Betty Kausalik; a son-in-law, Steven Wagner; 2 brothers, Marty and Larry Kausalik; and her parents-in-law, Cecil and Mamie Manley. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Frances’s family present to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. A private family burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. In lieu of flowers, Frances’s family would like to invite others to share a written memory or story of Frances with them to be compiled into a memory book.

Frances Ann Manley

July 31, 1946 - September 9, 2025