JORDAN THOMAS MANTHEI ~ Class of 2009
November 8, 1990 - May 28, 2009



Our hearts are broken by the tragic loss of Jordan Thomas Manthei, 18 years old, and a senior at Richland and Rivers Edge High Schools, who died on May 28th.

Jordan was born to Tom and Wendy Manthei on November 8, 1990. He took great pride in being the big brother to his five younger siblings. He had a special ability to make everything fun and as each would testify he also loved "picking on them."

Jordan was an intelligent and driven student attending Gateway Montessori Pre-School, St. Joseph's Catholic School, Jason Lee Elementary School, Chief Joseph Middle School, and Richland and Rivers Edge High Schools.

Determination and natural talent helped Jordan to excel at many sports, including soccer, basketball, and baseball. However, Jordan proved to have an exceptional talent, giftedness and enthusiasm for the sport of wrestling at a very early age. Jordan began wrestling at the age of five with the Washington Little Guy Wrestling Association (WLGWA). He wrestled with the WLGWA for 10 years, continuing on to wrestle at Chief Jo Middle School for three years, and then he proudly became a member of the Richland High School (RHS) Varsity Wrestling Team as a freshman. As a sophomore, Jordan was nominated "Wrestler of the Year" by his fellow RHS teammates, and was selected to the "Big Nine All Conference Wrestling Team." Additionally, that same year Jordan fulfilled one of his life long dreams and felt thoroughly honored to represent the Richland High School Bombers at the Tacoma Dome for the State 4A Wrestling Competition, 2006.

Jordan consistently expressed gratitude and a strong admiration for his coaches and fellow teammates. As Jordan matured as an individual and an athlete, he willingly and graciously contributed to the growth and development of both the sport and younger wrestlers by taking on the role of mentor, and coaching along side his dad and younger brother Payton for the Richland Mat Rattlers. The bond he shared with his dad and Payton extends far beyond their love for wrestling. Jordan's most recent wrestling accomplishments include competing at the Reno World's Wrestling Tournament in April and placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the 3-style Washington state tournament.

Over the past few years, Jordan also discovered a passion for drawing. Jordan approached his artwork in the same way he approached each and every endeavor that he chose to set his mind to. Striving for excellence and perfection in self expression through drawing, it became readily apparent drawing after drawing that his sketch books capture the essence of Jordan.

Jordan will be forever missed and always loved by his parents, Tom and Wendy Manthei, his sister Jessica, "Jekke," his only brother Payton, younger sisters Madeline and Gracelyne and baby sister Isabella. He was the oldest grandson to Sharon and Edward Manthei and Jolene and Gary Gangl; loved by multiple aunts and uncles including his Godparents Mike and Carrie Manthei, Mark and Brenda Manthei, Dave and Wendi Manthei Adam and Danielle Gangl, and Mike and Elizabeth Cox; cousins Kaila, Alyssa, Tyler, Tanner, Parker, McKenzie, Madison, David Jr., Savanna, Alyssa, Madison, Nathan, Allie and Abigail; his two great grandmas Loretta Griffin and Irene Hughes; and many loving and involved family members from Spokane. Jordan will be missed deeply by his girlfriend, Ashly Beauchene, from Wenatchee. As our home and cul-de-sac multiply with friends of Jordan, it is apparent the he has touched so many people's hearts and will be missed greatly.

Jordan was greeted in heaven by his grandparents, Myron and Molly Manthei, Stan Griffin, Jim Hughes and Marcela Gangl and his baby cousin Alyssa Manthei.

Jordan was humbled, yet proud to have completed Sundowns Rehabilitation Program in March. Again, his determination, strength and love for his family guided him through his struggles.

Donations in Jordan's honor can be made at any US Bank towards Metro Drug Task Force.

We invite you to join us celebrate Jordan's life Wednesday, June 3rd at 11 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. A graveside burial will follow immediately at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation is at Einan's Funeral Home Tuesday, June 2nd from 5-8pm. Vigil will be held at 7pm.