By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-05 18:03:42 | Updated at 2026-08-05 21:34:02
7 hours ago
A father and his two young daughters were found dead at his Wisconsin home just hours after his bitter divorce from their mother was finalized.
Officers were called to Jeffrey Manke's home in Winneconne for a medical incident and welfare check on Friday just before 7pm, Winneconne police said.
He was found dead alongside his daughters, Jaelyn, 16, and 11-year-old Lenora. Police have not disclosed any details about how they died.
Manke, 57, and the girls' mother, Lindsey Lewandowski, had just concluded a nearly two-years-long divorce battle, Wisconsin Circuit Court records showed.
Their marriage, which the court ruled was 'irretrievably broken,' was legally dissolved on Friday, according to the records reviewed by the Daily Mail.
The couple were given joint custody of their daughters, with Manke ordered to pay child support.
Lewandowski, 38, was awarded the couple's marital home in nearby Oshkosh.
The grieving mother on Monday filed a motion to vacate the judgement of the divorce. A motion hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Lindsey Lewandowski, 38, is mourning the deaths of her daughters, Jaelyn, 16, and 11-year-old Lenora Manke
Loved ones say Lewandowski, with her new partner and their family, is devastated by the tragedy and taking time off work to 'process and heal'
Jaelyn and Lenora were found dead in their father Jeffrey Manke's house on the same day his divorce from Lewandowski was finalized
Investigators said the deaths of Manke and his daughters were part of an isolated incident.
No further details were provided, with authorities citing the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about the tragedy is urged to contact the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, which has taken the lead on the investigation.
A memorial fund has been established on GiveSendGo to help Lewandowski with funeral expenses, her mortgage, utility bills and other living expenses as she takes the 'time she needs to process and heal.'
'Please help us surround Lindsey and her family with prayers and love as they navigate the tragic loss of her daughters, Jaelyn and Lenora,' the crowdfunder read.
'Jaelyn and Lenora are remembered by all as the kindest and sweetest kids. Their love for God and family was seen by all and will leave a lasting impression on everyone who knew them.'
Lewandowski operates a small wooden gifts business out of her home, but will be taking time off of work as she navigates this devastating loss.
She appears to be heavily involved in her children's lives, with a social media post from three years ago revealing that while she runs her business, she also cooks, cleans and homeschools her youngsters.
She has been in a happy relationship with a new partner for years and regularly shares photos of him on her social media accounts.
The Community Church in Oshkosh has also started a meal train for the Lewandowski family.
