Jasper Manthey

Jasper Ray ‘Boog’ Manthey was born on May 20th of 2008 into an already rambunctious group of boys, and did he ever fuel the fire that they already had burning. His three brothers, Morgan, Wyatt, and Virgil, were already keeping their parents Dale and Marcia on their toes with their constant shenanigans, and Jasper could not wait to be big enough to get in on the action. These adventures were essentially how Jasper shaped his life. Jasper was always looking for his own niche, and to pave his own path separate from his brothers but heavily influenced by each of them. He wanted to follow in their footsteps but make the prints bigger as he walked through. 

Growing up as the youngest and smallest of this rowdy bunch, Jasper had to learn his own way of winning…or at least not losing…any fights that occurred. His “I love you” quote was adopted as a defense mechanism and survival technique. After antagonizing any of his brothers, who have all always been much larger, he found it an effective strategy to just yell out, “I love you” to cease whatever retaliation he had coming his way. 

Any sort of outdoor activity Jasper loved, if it was riding dirt bikes, camping, or cliff jumping at the lake he did not care–as long as he could get dirty in the process and maybe add some stress or gray hairs to his mom. Jumping off those rocks was his one-up over everyone else in the family. He was able to best each of his brothers with the height he would jump from–and even his dad found himself bested by Jasper. Standing at the top of a cliff in South Dakota, after watching Jasper leap, Dale then heard him taunt, “Come on old man, I just did it,” along with several other choice insults for the next 45 minutes while the ‘old man’ worked up the nerve to take the quick trip to the water. 

He was the only brother to break a bone, but that came as no surprise as he had quite a talent for breaking things. He broke a lot of stuff, objects that should not be able to be broken. He can’t take credit for all the damage, however, as he usually had a partner in crime–his best friend Gabe. When Jasper and Gabe were together, the destruction percentage of any area increased exponentially. Many of the incidents these two brought about happened through a stroke of dumb luck at no fault of their own but simply a part of Jasper’s escapades. 

Jasper was a friend to everyone he met, a soul who truly never knew a stranger. With his warm smile and genuine kindness, he could light up any room and make anyone feel welcome. Jasper had a rare gift for seeing the good in people, bringing out the best in those around him, and making friends wherever he went. His open heart and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of friendship and love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. Jasper, on November 5, 2024, carried these adventures and shenanigans to a different place. 

Jasper, beloved, is survived by countless loved ones whose lives he touched deeply, leaving behind enduring memories that will forever hold him close in their hearts. Chief amongst them, he is survived by his parents, Dale and Marcia; his brothers, Morgan (Skyler), Wyatt, and Virgil; his grandparents, Rick and Peggy Rice; his uncles Eric (Doni) Rice and Johnny Manthey; his aunt, Lisa (Nick) Visokey; and his cousins, Erica and Kohelbi Rice. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Dale A. and Jo Manthey.

A memorial service for Jasper will be held on Saturday, November 16, at North Toole County High School in Sunburst.