Happy 100th Birthday Elsie Mannerow

Elsie Mannerow

Written and researched by Laura De Roo

​Elsie and her four siblings were first generation Americans, born to Belgium immigrants, Julius Vinoke and Emma (Dujvejonek) Vinoke. Elsie was born in Detroit, Michigan November 1st, 1925.  She married Pfc. Harvey Howard Mannerow in 1942 at the tender age of 17.  Her mother signed for her since she was underage. At the time they married, Harvey was in the Army and Elsie was an elevator operator.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, a son, Paul and two daughters, Joyce (1944-2003) and Carol.

In 1967, following graduation from Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods Michigan, and one year at Macomb Community College, their son, Paul David Mannerow enlisted in the Marine Corp. His tour in Vietnam began August 14, 1968. The following spring, May 10, 1969, Paul died in Quang Tri, Vietnam through hostile action that caused the helicopter he was in to crash. He had achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was the recipient of two Purple Heart medals.

​Harvey fought and survived some of the worse fighting in Europe during WWII.  He could not get over the fact that he survived his war experience and his son was killed during his.  Harvey died Feb 19, 1977, leaving Elsie a widow.

Not long after Paul died, a woman who lived a few blocks away invited Elsie to attend her first American Gold Star Mothers’ meeting. She filled out her application September 16, 1970 and didn’t look back.  Elsie, over the years has served in nearly every position in her chapters except treasurer.  She has been in three chapters in her long membership in this organization. As each closed due to lack of membership she switched to another and continued to serve

​Due to age, Elsie had to give up driving three years ago.  Her daughter and granddaughter help with getting groceries, putting meals in her freezer and getting her to appointments.  Her friends still make sure she gets out to enjoy excursions and comradery.  Elsie remains in very good health and continues to live in her pleasant, little apartment where she has lived for the last 23 years. 
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On November 1st, 2025 Elsie celebrated her 100th birthday!