William C. Mank, a retired refrigeration engineer and World War II veteran, died of an embolism March 27 at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. The Glen Arm resident was 91.
Born in Baltimore and raised on Mura Street and Eugene Avenue, he was the son of August Mank, a factory worker, and Eva Miller, a homemaker. He was a 1942 Polytechnic Institute graduate. He served in the Army in World War II and was a gunner in the 747th Tank Battalion. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was later stationed on the Rhine River. He also served at Fort Meade during the Korean War.
After his military service, he returned to Baltimore and married Frances J. Bowen. Family members said that though they had not met each other, they corresponded during World War II. Mr. Mank called her and made a date. They walked throughout the city and he escorted her to her Furley Avenue home. They married in 1947 on her 22nd birthday.
He attended the Maryland Institute College of Art at its old Market Place campus.
Mr. Mank was a refrigeration engineer and worked in freezer design and installation for institutions, including St. Timothy's School and the old Church Home and Hospital. He was employed by the J.P. Pfeiffer Co. on Paca Street and later in Woodlawn from 1947 to 1981. He then worked for Tri-Star Refrigeration. He retired in his late 70s.
Mr. Mank spent much of his time with his family. He read histories of World War II and was a dog fancier.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes.
Survivors include two sons, Gregory W. Mank of Delta, Pa., and Randal J. Mank of Cockeysville; two sisters, Elmira Romans and Shirley Burton, both of Parkville; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His wife of more than 61 years died in 2009.