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Dr. Mani Modale Mani

June 24, 1937 - August 6, 2022

 

Dr. Mani M. Mani ended his earthly journey on Saturday, August 6, 2022. He was born in Quilon, India on June 24, 1937. He completed his diploma at the Madras Christian College School. He went on to receive his MBBS degree (Batch of 1955) and Master’s in Surgery at the Christian Medical College in Vellore, India. He completed a residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of Kansas from 1969-1971.

 

Dr. Mani returned to the University of Kansas in 1974 to become the Medical Director of the Gene and Barbara Burnett Burn Center which he ran until his retirement. During his time at the University of Kansas, Dr. Mani and his team began establishing the protocol for contemporary burn care including all relevant specialties of care such as Nursing, Dietetics, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Social Work for optimum treatment. This protocol using the team approach was ultimately adopted as the standard of care by every city, hospital, ambulance, and fire department in the state of Kansas.

 

In the following years, Dr. Mani led teams to establish the burn protocol as a standard of care in Malaysia, Australia and Kyrgyzstan. He also played a pivotal role in the American Burn Association's burn care education efforts around the world. Dr. Mani was named Professor Emeritus of Surgery by the University of Kansas in 2009. Although he retired from active surgery, he continued with his primary passion which was the teaching of medical students which he continued up until his death.

 

After his retirement, he worked to connect the two medical institutions that he loved with a focus on international medical education. He helped establish the Robinson International Studies Award at the University of Kansas which enables students to complete an International educational experience at the Christian Medical College in Vellore. To complete the cross-cultural training, Dr. Mani also established the Modale Fellowship Program which allows junior faculty at the Christian Medical College to conduct independent research projects at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. and Mrs. Mani also funded the Modale International Hostel at the Christian Medical College for visiting students and faculty.

 

He was a man of many interests including religion and taught many religious classes at Old Mission United Methodist Church and Lakeview Village. He was also intrigued by agriculture through his experiences in India and the USA. He found much enjoyment at his small farm in Kansas where he raised cattle. He was active in the Boy Scouts earning the President’s Award in India and continuing in the US as the Committee Chair of a Boy Scout Troop in Kansas City where both of his sons earned the Eagle Scout Rank. Above all was his love of family and he had a unique view of family. Whether it was his siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, students, patients, neighbors or acquaintances, he embraced them all as part of his extended family.

 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Rebekah (nee Kuruvila) Mani and sister Elizabeth Abraham. He leaves behind his brother Chacko Mani and sister Anna Matthan both in India. He also leaves behind three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild: M.M. Mani and his two children, Mia Grace and Elijah William; Kuruvila Mani and his wife Julie and two daughters Anjali Rebekah and Asha Sulochana; Rachel Finn and her son Chacko and daughter Elizabeth, and great-grandson Bodhi.

 

A memorial service will be held at Old Mission United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 27th at 10:00 AM in person and virtually at https://vimeo.com/738346573/17b965ddc1 A visitation with the family will be held at Old Mission UMC on Friday, August 26th from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Mani M. Mani MD Plastic Surgery Opportunity Fund 42195 at KU Endowment, PO Box 928, Lawrence KS 66044 or through www.kuendowment.org/givenow .
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Address:
5519 State Park Rd.
City:
Fairway
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66205
Date of Service:
Aug 26, 2022
Time of Service:
5:00 pm
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Address:
5519 State Park Rd.
City:
Fairway
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66205
Date of Service:
Aug 27, 2022
Time of Service:
10:00 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Camille Cimprich formerly of Malaysia Airlines Aug 11, 2022

friend ,Chicago ,Illinois

Sincere condolences to the family, friends, colleagues. I met Dr.& Mrs. Mani when they contacted the airline to book their flights. Dr. Mani, Mrs. Mani were a pleasure to work with, and I missed their conversations when our office closed. Dr. Mani will be missed, Mrs. Mani greeted him with open arms. Rest in peace, Dr. Mrs. Mani.

The Chapa Family Aug 11, 2022

Friends ,Monterrey, MEXICO

Dr. Mani will be remmembered always, his kind personality, his wisdom and nice words will stay in our hearts and minds. We feel blessed to have met him. Our prayers are with the Mani family.

Cathy Moffett Aug 14, 2022

Friend, he was my mentor ,Kansas

Dr. Mani is a legend. Mentor and leader to many, friend to all. Mani guided EMS in its infancy. He traveled all over the state of Kansas teaching burn care protocol. None who ever heard him speak could ever forget him. His influence and dedication to EMS was profound. The words, “Dr. Mani says . . .” immediately got attention. A broad smile always welcomed the name Dr. Mani. The second you met him, you knew you were surrounded by greatness. I was gifted to learn from him. He made my world change and the perspective of the world we live in change with it. Dr. Mani’s favorite word was “Yes.” If Mani ever asked something of you, it would be wrong to say no. He taught people how to fish with their hearts and with their giving. He was generous with his wisdom, his time and his heart. He welcomed opportunities to make a difference in all the lives he touched. An he did. One of Mani’s greatest gift was his family. He walked the walk every day and set an example. You can see what he gave in every member of his family. The last time we talked I told him he had an exceptional, loving family. He said, “You should not keep love to yourself, but give all you can.”

Michael Szczygiel Aug 14, 2022

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Dr..Mani has been a cherished friend for almost 50 years. He was a truly altruistic gentleman. A scholar and exemplary physician, he was a model for and mentor to everyone he met. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. He added a vibrancy to the world. I will miss him deeply and cherish his memory.

Marilynn Binter Aug 14, 2022

I was saddened to see Dr. Mani's obituary. As the wife of a burn patient at KU many years ago, I want you to know he was the most caring & competent doctor I have ever known, not only to his patients but to the families as well. I don't think my husband & family would have had the wonderful life we do without his care. I'm sure he will be missed by many.

Carol Kappelman Aug 15, 2022

Fellow Old Mission UMC member ,Kansas City ,Kansas

To all of you but especially Rachel who had been a fellow Covenant Class member, I am so sorry for your loss and for society's loss of your dad. He was a great teacher and a very compassionate man. His legacy will last several more life times. Those of use who knew him, miss him.

Valissa & Rick Marston Aug 19, 2022

Friends of Rachel Finn ,Westwood Hills ,Kansas

He was a great man, for his incredible accomplishments-also because he had an amazing daughter. He was fortunate and proud to have you in his life! He was grateful you were filling in the gaps your mom's absence created. "What would I do without Rachel?" May they both rest in peace and may you hold those memories tight. We love you!

Elissa Fjeldheim (Frost) Aug 19, 2022

Robinson Scholar ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was a Robinson Scholar and traveled to India in 2015 with a great group of RNs, RD, and OT. When I tell you that Mani embraced us like his family.. I truly mean it. He had us over for dinner several times to prepare us, and several times over the years after we came back. We even zoomed with him during COVID. Dr.Mani was like my adopted Indian Grandpa. I loved how he always seemed to have a checklist of topics in his head that he wanted to discuss when we came over. He was such an interesting, kind and passionate man. His India/Kansas connection truly opened the eyes of so many young people. I will never forgot my experience in India. I could never have had the authentic experiences that I did without the exchange he set up. It wasn't like being a tourist, it was like being able to see what life is really like for people on the other side of the world. It was such an unforgettable and life changing experience for me that I will always look back on fondly. He made sure his family and friends took care of us while we were there and we felt safe and supported during the whole journey. Dr. Mani was something special. I will never forgot him and our limited time together. I am happy that he is reunited with his wife now who he missed dearly. Sending so much love to the Mani family !!

Madhukar and Punam Chhatre Aug 25, 2022

Student and friend. ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dr. Mani was a great mentor, a friend and an inspiration. His passion for burn medicine was amazing and took him all over the world educating young medical professionals. Both Rebakah and Dr. Mani were very generous and welcoming. I am fortunate to be his first Burn Fellow at KU Med Center. Eversince then, I have admired his dedication and passion for burn medicine. He was a starter of many good things. He will surely be missed as a man who touched many hearts through his skills, generosity and passion.

Laura matlage Aug 26, 2022

Robinson international award recipient ,Denver ,Colorado

I was fortunate to know Dr Mani through the Robinson international studies award and was able to travel to Vellore in the summer of 2012 as an occupational therapy student . When I look back, this is an experience that has forever changed me and helped shape who I am today. Dr. Mani not only provided an opportunity to expand my knowledge in healthcare but a once in a lifetime experience to see a new cultural, different way of living, and the generosity of strangers. I will always look up to Dr. Mani and think of him kindly. I hope some day I can pass on this kindness.

Mary Crall Aug 26, 2022

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Dr. Mani will be so missed! I know he was an amazing Doctor but his passion was also burn prevention education. We worked together for many years educating the public about burns and burn prevention. Mani and I worked together, with others, developing curricula and programs for schools and the public. After I retired, we enjoyed many lunches and visits on his patio together. I will miss those visits and his colorful newsletters filled with his adventures and beautiful photography. Dr. Mani received the 2003 Vern McNatt award which “recognizes an individual(s) who has made an outstanding contribution to promote the general safety, health and/or welfare of the citizens of Johnson County”. This is just one of the many contributions Mani made to the world of burn treatment and education. My heart is sad but I know he is now reunited with his beloved wife. Many blessings of peace to his family!

Linda Appleton Aug 27, 2022

Friend, Burn Unit/ Hyperbaric Oxygen Nurse ,Versailles ,Missouri

I knew Dr. Mani since 1985. He always knew what to say and when. Great words of wisdom to live by. Gave support when needed. Will always carry memories of him and Rebecca. He showed how he loved his wife, family and fellow man. We will have to carry on and keep our hands busy.

Laura matlage Oct 11, 2022

Robinson international award recipient ,Denver ,Colorado

I was fortunate to know Dr Mani through the Robinson international studies award and was able to travel to Vellore in the summer of 2012 as an occupational therapy student . When I look back, this is an experience that has forever changed me and helped shape who I am today. Dr. Mani not only provided an opportunity to expand my knowledge in healthcare but a once in a lifetime experience to see a new cultural, different way of living, and the generosity of strangers. I will always look up to Dr. Mani and think of him kindly. I hope some day I can pass on this kindness.

Melinda Perry Nov 30, 2022

Patient ,Independence ,Missouri

Dr Mani was one of my plastic surgeons after my breast cancer. He was always sweet, kind and a true gentleman. Also very knowledgeable and reassuring during my treatments. May God welcome him into his kingdom with open arms.

Bill wilson Aug 31, 2023

patient ,Cottonwood Falls ,Kansas

am sorry to find this out was a burn patient in 1970 while he was here the first time.