Stanley Muilenburg

     Stanley Muilenburg left us on June 11, 2024 at the age of 92.  He remained witty and sharp as a tack until the end, and will be greatly missed by those who were fortunate to know him well. 

     He graduated from Archer high school (class of fourteen people), ran the post office at his Virginia Beach, VA army post while there from 1952 to 1954, did carpentry work in the Sheldon area, married Sally in 1955, took out a loan to quit his job and build their first home in Sheldon before becoming a Wonder Bread salesman in 1958.  In 1963 he transferred to Spencer to manage the northwest Iowa territory until 1992.  His retirement years were spent taking care of Sally (until her passing in 2009) tinkering with lawnmowers/snow blowers, and learning to dance.

     He appreciated old time country and gospel music, and good harmony.  Gravitated to people he referred to as “good feelers”.   Admired people who weren’t afraid of hard work.  Not a fan of sitting still; unless it was to watch Iowa Hawkeye basketball.  Had a knack for unconventional problem solving.  Genuinely gratified by helping others. Convinced there could be no better vista than spring crops coming up in rows of black dirt.  He was a proud Papa Stan showing off grandchildren photos.  Stopping at the Silver Hammer for salad bar and one beer with friendly faces was something he missed after he moved into St Lukes.  “Stan the man” was one of a kind.

     A stubborn Dutchman, he fought through many health scares including:  a rare muscle condition losing 30 pounds of muscle mass, a rare tumor referred to as a ‘ticking timebomb’ by Mayo, multiple intestinal bleeds including an in-flight emergency trauma level transfusion, quadruple heart bypass, peripheral leg stents, anemia, covid, COPD, and congestive heart failure.  Nicknamed ‘Ironman’ early on by his family, he later lived up to this superhero status by receiving weekly iron transfusions.  The family is grateful for wonderful care over the years from Spencer Hospital (Dr Sather, Dr Meyer, Laura Armstrong, Emma Lonning, many nurses, Cardiac Rehab group, EMTs, Blood and Iron Transfusion staff) and, more recently, from the caring staff at St Lukes Lutheran and Gentiva Hospice.  His small Samsonite case was always in tow.

     He was survived by three daughters (and sons of law), four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and several close friends.   He was preceded in death by Sally, three siblings and other family.  

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 Thursday June 13 at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer, Iowa.  Stan was color blind but could see blue (therefore his favorite hue) so, if possible, please wear a touch of blue to Visitation.  A private service and burial will be held. Honorary pall bearers:   Larry Geisinger, Jim Sikora, Doug Rutter, Sharon Rutter, and Chuck Schany.  

As for memorials, please consider donating blood at a nearby blood drive and/or directing monetary donations to People for Pets (c/o Jenna, 2312 Hwy Blvd, Spencer IA 51301).