You are invited to email any of these local retirees with your questions about retirement in the Manhattan area.
Neil and Betty have been Manhattan residents for more than 35 years. Neil spent many years as a professor of the K-State Veterinarian College. Betty recently sold the bed and breakfast she owned and operated for 15 years – a historic home built in 1894. She continues to stay busy with the antique shop she has owned for 22 years. They both enjoy the many friends they have here and are involved in many civic and church-related activities.
Gloria and Mike have lived here for 25+ years after having spent years prior in the Chicago area. They are owners of a bed & breakfast here. Gloria enjoyed many years working for the local school district and Mike worked for the Woolworth Warehousing & Distribution Center in Junction City. Two of their three children live in Manhattan and graduated from K-State. They are loyal volunteers for many area agencies and organizations.
Don and Beth relocated here from Amarillo, TX, after Don retired from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in 1998. Don grew up in Illinois and graduated from K-State in 1960. He was on the K-State golf team and now especially enjoys the new Colbert Hills Golf Course. Beth was born in Texas and says she “became a K-Stater” when she married Don.
Bob and Diana met while both were attending K-State. Bob spent many years working with the USDA. They especially enjoy the wide variety of activities here, as well as the size of the community. They are avid K-State sports fans and have three daughters -- all K-State graduates as well.
Jan and Bob moved to Manhattan in 2001 when Bob retired from the Extension Service. Family was nearby and they wanted a university community with its many activities. Since moving they are very happy with the quality of life in Manhattan, friendliness of the people and the opportunity to participate in the many cultural and sports events.
Don, a lifetime resident of Manhattan, spends the majority of his time with the Douglass Community Center as Assistant Director of the Hand-to-Hand tutoring program. Don also serves as vice president / treasurer of the Manhattan branch of the NAACP, is treasurer of the Juneteenth Committee and is a fund raiser for the Community Culture Harmony Week celebration. He is a frequent guest lecturer at K-State and in area elementary and secondary schools.
Bernd and Enell have been residents of Manhattan since 1971 and enjoy its many cultural opportunities. Bernd taught architecture at K-State, retired in 1999, but still teaches historic preservation. Enell was a Red Cross volunteer for more than 40 years where she was an instructor-trainer in CPR and First Aid. She has taught swimming and aerobic dancing, and now teaches “Body Recall” to older citizens. She enjoys weaving and gardening. Both are involved in a variety of community activities.
Marvin has lived in Manhattan for 32 years. In 1995, he retired from Manhattan’s USD 383 as the Middle School Principal of 24 years. Marvin enjoys traveling, watching the Wildcats and visiting grandchildren.
Ed and Mary Beth retired to Manhattan ten years ago. They have traveled the four corners of the USA and find Manhattan to be a great place for peace of mind and to serve as “home base.” Ed and Mary Beth are active community volunteers and enjoy the many opportunities for things to see and do here.
Gene and Sue have lived in Manhattan for 35 years. Gene practiced surgery until 2000 while Sue raised their four children, most of whom are K-State graduates. They thoroughly enjoy the vitality the University brings to the community. The importance of Fort Riley also has a major influence on the area. Having grown up in a large metropolitan area, Gene and Sue especially appreciate the ease of moving around, the friendliness of the people, the easily available cultural and sports activities and the many opportunities to volunteer.
