My name was Millard Glen Stanek --- my journey here on earth came to a close on May 17, 2018. For the last 50 plus years I lived just south of Elsie NE on the farm originally homesteaded by my great grandfather. I was the third generation to farm on this land.
I was born in Imperial NE - May 31,1944. My mother was Margaret Virginia McGrath daughter of Glen Ralph and Margaret Jane McGrath of Elsie. My father was Millard John Stanek son of Veronica and Jerome Stanek of Lyons NE. I grew up in Vienna, Virginia a suburb of Washington DC. Together with my sister (Susan Virginia Stanek of St. Louis, MO) and my brother (Paul Michael Stanek of Nebraska City, NE) we spent every summer on the farm with our beloved grandparents. I learned to love the land and how to farm thanks to the endless patience of my Grandfather - Glen. It was during this time of my youth spent on the farm that I knew what and where I wanted to spend my life.
After I graduated James Madison High School in Vienna, VA in 1963 - I went onto to serve 2 years in the US Army. In November of 1966 I returned home on leave from the Army to marry the love of my life and my high school sweetheart - Paula Elizabeth King. Once my tour of duty was completed in 1967 Paula and I made the decision to move to the farm to start our lives and our family.
My son Glen Thomas was born in December 1969 (married to Julie), our daughter Fabienne arrived in April 1974 (married to David Burkhalter) and then our second daughter Amanda arrived in September, 1978 (married to Aaron McLean). Paula and I raised our family with all the struggles, joy, love and tears that any two parents experience --- they are wonderful people and Paula and I are extremely proud of each of them.
I was given the gift of 5 precious grandchildren -- Paige, John Thomas, Ryan (Tom and Julie Stanek of Kansas City), Corbin and Cole (Fabienne and Dave Burkhalter of Elsie, NE). What a joy they added to my life.
I always considered Family my greatest gift -- but I received so many other gifts in my life that I would like to acknowledge. Through service to this community (Wheatland School Board Member 14 years, Highline Co-op Board of Directors 25 years, American Legion Commandant and Chaplain, Volunteer Fireman Elsie/Madrid, Church Counsel for Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church). I met so many wonderful people and made so many wonderful friends. People who helped me along the way and gave to me freely of their knowledge, time, treasure, and understanding...I would never have been able to live my dream without the help and support I received from so many of you. Thank you.
It was tough to say goodbye but death is just a piece of the circle of life. I would tell you to remember the times we laughed together, worked together and sometimes cried together.
Always
Glen
SERVICE DETAILS
Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 10:00am MT at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant with Father Thomas Bush as Celebrant. Interment of cremains will be at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE at 2:00pm MT (3:00pm CT).
A Rosary will be at 7:00pm MT on Tuesday, May 22nd at the church.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory with the intention of supporting Partner Up Rodeo. Condolences can be shared online at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant, NE is in charge of arrangements.