Carl R. Mangold Jr.

Carl R. Mangold Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 86, in Buda, Illinois.

Born on April 15, 1939, in Princeville, Illinois the son of Carl and Anna (Kruse) Mangold. Carl lived a full and vibrant life, dedicated to his family and his passion for farming. He was a self-employed farmer who took immense pride in the land he cultivated and the legacy he built for his loved ones.

Carl is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret Mangold, and their five daughters, Debbie (Tom) Zenger, Cheri (Curt) Smith, Karen (Joe) Mangold-Buckman, Michelle (Jeff) Spain, and Tracy Mangold. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of 13 grandchildren: Greg (Annevay) Conlee, Shane Mangold, Nicole (Steve) Loveless, Lauren MacNaughton, Derek (Miranda) Zenger, Ashley (Chris) Wofford, Danielle Zenger, Caleb Slemer, Rachel MacNaughton, Connor Smith, Brandon (Kelby) Smith, Jared Smith, and Josiah Mangold, and his many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty (Dale) Hollenberg, Irene Nafziger, and sister-in-law, Geraldine Mangold. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and loved ones, who cherish the memories they shared with him.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Anna Mangold, his brother, Robert Mangold, sister, Ann Ehresman, and granddaughter, Jen MacNaughton.

An avid sports fan, Carl enjoyed rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and cheering on the Bradley Braves basketball team. He loved spending time playing golf and bowling, and he never missed an opportunity to relax with his favorite westerns. Above all, Carl cherished the moments spent with his family, creating lasting memories that will be treasured for generations. He often reflected on the joy of marrying the love of his life and raising a family, which brought him great fulfillment and happiness.

Carl’s legacy will continue to shine through the love and memories shared by all who knew him. In celebration of his life, family and friends will gather to honor him in a service that reflects the warmth and joy he brought to our lives.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Bradford. Funeral Service will be at 11:30 am on Friday, June 27, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerald Ward, officiating. Burial will immediately follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Bradford.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.