Gerald D. Stanley

DIXON — Gerald D. Stanley, 88, Dixon, died July 5, 2019, at his residence.

Visitation and a prayer service were Monday at the United Methodist Church, Laurel, and continued one hour prior to services Tuesday morning.

Gerald’s memorial service was July 9 at the United Methodist Church, Laurel, with Pastor Isaac Chua officiating.

A private burial was held in the Laurel Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

Gerald was born June 21, 1931, on a farm in Dixon County, the youngest of seven children. He attended grade school at Clark Center School and graduated from Dixon High School where he excelled at basketball. Gerald eloped to Kansas to marry Angeline Boeshart only to find he wasn’t old enough to get married without parental consent. His parents, Newell and Mabel Stanley, drove to Kansas to sign the papers, and they were married Dec. 29, 1949. Gerald and Angie lived and farmed with his parents until moving to Kansas City for a brief time, before returning to Dixon County and moving to the farm where he lived for 65 years. Dwain joined the couple in 1951, followed by Diane in 1954, and Jerry in 1957. Gerald and Angie worked side by side with Gerald’s parents on the farm raising kids, crops, livestock and milking cows. At times, Dwain and Jerry were in partnership in the farming endeavor. Gerald retired from farming in 2007.

He played third base on baseball teams and bowled. Gerald and Angie, and after they were married, Gerald and Ardy, made many friends square dancing.

Gerald served on the Clark Township board. He joined the Laurel United Methodist Church in 1965. He was a Mason for 60 years.

Angie died Nov. 2, 2005. In November 2006, Gerald married Ardy Woods Thompson. He was amazingly fortunate to have two wonderful women in his life.

He enjoyed visiting with anyone who stopped in, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Ardy, Dixon; children and their spouses, Dwain and Sue Stanley, Dixon; Diane and Dave Tremain, Norfolk; and Jerry Stanley, Concord; one sister, Bonnie Bigler; sisters-in-law, Eileen Stanley and Rita Stanley; as well as 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.