Richard “Parker” Mahnke, age 67, of Albany/McFarland passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday May 8th, 2025. Rick was born on April 17th, 1958 to Parker and Carol Mahnke of McFarland. Rick’s father passed away in 2001 and Carol in 2021.
Rick attended McFarland high school, throughout high school he played basketball, track and football. He was a member of the jazz ensemble where he played the saxophone. Rick was on the honor roll multiple times including high honor roll his senior year.
After graduation, Rick applied to both Purdue and U-W Madison ultimately attended U-W M. Rick was a lifetime member of Mensa International. A society for individuals with a high IQ, specifically those in the 2% of society.
Rick was employed by Madison Metro bus company, which he drove and worked on buses from April 1980 to June 1997.
In the 90’s Rick began to hang out with a group of motorcycle riders known as the Slimey Crud’s. He enjoyed becoming a part of this “gang,” especially during the years the Slimey Crud Cafe Racer Run grew from just being an idea to a actual happening. He developed lifetime friendships with the Cruds.
In 1996 Rick partnered with his friend Gordon, together they created MG Cycle. Rick created a niche business with international reach importing, exporting, retailing and wholesaling. He enjoyed traveling and meeting business associates in Italy and Germany, as well as Switzerland and surrounding countries.
Rick was always the life of the party, quick with a great story, usually of some motorcycle adventure near and far. His Moto Guzzi sidecar “Barney” was known far and wide, even pictured on the Wisconsin Rustic Roads pamphlet.
Chris Collins, the MGNOC State Representative said, “although he could come across as a bit of a curmudgeon, he was a very conscientious and caring person, he is legendary in the Moto Guzzi community”.
Rick met Donna Brooks in 1987; they married in 1989. In 1996 they adopted a wonderful baby girl, Ranjana Marisa Mahnke. She was 8 months old, born in Calcutta, India. In 1997 they separated but continued to raise a beautiful, independent daughter.
2014 brought Lynn Dahleen into Rick’s life as a new partner; 2018 they became a couple. Both were members of Mensa and had mutual respect for their past lives and moved forward creating memories and sharing new adventures.
Rick survived by his daughter Ranjana Mahnke (Camden Nowak) of Mt. Horeb, special friend Lynn Dahleen of Albany, sister Pamela Mahnke (Randy Swan) of Waunakee, half-sister Betsy Mahnke-Lutge (Dennis Lutge) of Scenic, Arizona and half-brother Parker (Margie) Mahnke of Fallbrook, California, former spouse Donna Brooks, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by both his parents.
Rick had a loving passion for animals throughout his life. Cats, horses, goats and dogs two specifically; Jeb and Ozzy, both provided loving companionship. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to our local animal shelter or rescues. Shriner Funeral Home of Monroe will perform the cremation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Broughton’s Corner Bar, in Albany WI, June 14th, 2025, from 1pm to 4pm. The family wishes to invite you to join them sharing memories and stories of Rick “Parker’s” life.
