Manuel Sotolongo, age 69, of Wayland, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He enjoyed life, following Drum and Bugle Corps, the MSU Spartans, and participating in community bands. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Jane; daughters: Jessica and Ben Hopkins, Mallary and Mike VanVolkinburg; grandchildren: Logan, Lincoln, Aria, and Daxton; siblings: Maria and Bob Kramer, Elvira and Bruce Bumstead, Adelfo Sotolongo; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Steve and Gail Ibershof, Mary and Cary Burch, Cindy and Dave Bosma; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Darin Stark; parents, Adelfo and Esther Sotolongo; and in-laws, John and Charlotte Ibershof. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Manuel’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Jane for his grandchildren’s education fund.
Leave Your Tribute Message
August 17, 2025 9:37pm
Jane and family~
My thoughts and prayers are with you during the loss of Manny. He and Jane were wonderful neighbors for many years. Fly high Manny😇
- Tammy Little
August 11, 2025 6:58pm
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Have fond memories of our Friends of DCI days.
- Connie K Higgins
July 25, 2025 7:29am
Manny,
I will treasure the many MSU football and basketball games we shared with you and Jane forever. Thank you for taking interest in my music career, especially going to Lucas Oil to see my last high school performance for marching band.
Your kindness and warm spirit has touched so many. You are missed.
To Manny's family: I hope the memories you created with Manny, and the love you have for him, give you peace during this difficult time.
- MacKenzie Gerth (Lyman)
July 22, 2025 4:43pm
My deepest condolences to Jane, Jessica, Mallory and the rest of family. What an upbeat, happy guy. I always enjoyed hearing about his trips to DCI and Spartan games. Go Green!!
Alan Cunningham
- Alan Cunningham
July 22, 2025 10:14am
We will miss Manny and so many things about him, his smile, his laugh, him staying home because he had to practice. He took such joy in life. He reflected that joy back to others. Memories of him will stay with us always. Our hearts go out to you. We hope you and your family can feel his love through your pain at losing him. Peace
- Fran &Bob; Zinko
July 22, 2025 10:05am
Jane,
His smile, his laugh, his happiness was contagious. We will miss him beyond words.It didn’t matter if we had seen him 5 minutes ago or 5 months ago it was so easy to pick up as though no time had elapsed. We wish peace for you and your family. His was a life well lived.
- Bob and Fran Zinko
July 22, 2025 9:37am
Jane and family. My heart hurts over this loss. I have no words, only sadness. He was such a joy to have around! Always smiling, laughing, cutting jokes. Our lives will now be so empty. I will miss his calls and his voice! Honey is no more. I send you hugs and condolences.
- Vicki Gordon
July 22, 2025 8:53am
So sorry to hear of Manny's passing! I will miss that smile and friendliness which was always there when we saw each other at drum corps shows. Rest in peace, Manny, you now have the best seat in the stadium!! Praying for Jane and family!
- Bill Wiggins
July 21, 2025 8:27pm
Dear Jane and family, so sorry for your loss. What a great human being he was.It was a blessing to have known him. Mr Burger already feels different. God bless, Chris Girodat.
- Chris Girodat
July 21, 2025 4:57pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Manny will be missed. Sending prayers for you Jane and your family
- Mary Jo Mckersie
July 21, 2025 2:16pm
Jane and the Sotolongo family, our sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers to you all in these difficult moments. Manny and I worked at MichCon together and we were bitter rivals in college sports, but a good man to use as a resource person or if you needed anything from drafting. Can’t say enough good things about him. This is my 3rd friend to die from Pancreatic Cancer. I feel terrible for your loss! God Bless you all in your greatest hour of need. R.I.P. Manny! Go Green brother!
- Tom and Cathy Rettenmaier
July 21, 2025 1:09pm
Words can’t express what i’m feeling for you Jane and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss, I grew up with Manny; our families where so close as kids, we spent a lot of time at each others home. He was a very special and loving person who will be greatly missed. Lifting your family up in prayer for comfort and peace.
- ileana lamberts
July 21, 2025 7:28am
Manny was a special person and will be truly missed. We were blessed to have known him for many years. He always had a smile on his face with a warm greeting to match. Hopefully you and your family can gain peace and comfort in fond memories of Manny. Wishing you much love and may God rest his soul as he is now with his maker and watching you from above.
- Carole & Ed Bernier
July 20, 2025 2:25pm
Jane & family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Manny was great to work with and even though I am a U of M fan he still liked me!! "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal Love leaves a memory no one can steal"
- Judy Droski
July 20, 2025 9:25am
Jane & family, I give you my condolences, I will miss having coffee with Manny and hearing of your camping trips, Spartan games and following your grand children's musical performances. May God be with you at this time.
- Bob Talsma
July 20, 2025 8:01am
You have my sympathy. I remember Manuel and Maria from GRCHS. I was in the graduating class of 1969. We have had several of our church members due from pancreatic cancer. It is not a nice disease.
- Judith (Vander Linde) Lanning
Order flowers for Manuel's service.
