Stanley “Bud” Joseph Stanek, 93

Published 10:38 am Thursday, July 27, 2017

Stanley “Bud” Joseph Stanek, 93

Stanley “Bud” Joseph Stanek, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, at home.Bud was born Nov. 8, 1923, in Austin to Albert and Caroline (Yaroshek) Stanek. He was the seventh of 10 children. He grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School.

Bud enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps on Dec. 13, 1942.  He served on the USS Bunker Hill in the South Pacific during World War II. The ship was hit by two kamikaze planes in May 1945, killing nearly 400 Marines and sailors.  He survived the fire and chaos by escaping to the ship’s stern.  He was honorably discharged on Jan. 23, 1946.

On Dec. 21, 1946, he was united in marriage to Joan McFarland. They were married 70 years. Bud and Joan had three children, Vaughn, Mary and Valerie.

Bud was a member of the Catholic Church.  He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was also a member of the Austin Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club for many years.

As a steamfitter foreman for Schied Plumbing and Heating, he worked for many years and played baseball for the Schied baseball team.

Bud was an avid golfer, baseball fan, and fisherman. He and Joan enjoyed traveling and spent 24 winters in Texas.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Stanek, Austin; son, Vaughn (Paula) Stanek, Los Altos, California; daughter, Mary (Bruce) Henry, Austin; daughter, Valerie (Ryan) Cameron, Milbank, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Ryan (Missy), Kelly, Kevin, Ellen and Cole; and one great-grandchild, William.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings; brothers-in-law; and all but three sisters-in-law.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be held at Cedar City Cemetery at a later date.

The family would appreciate any memories that you would like to share. If you prefer a memorial, the family recommends memorials to the Cedar City Cemetery or to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com