Allen C Stanley

Allen Charles Stanley, 87 of Marshfield died Saturday, February 20, 2010, at St. Josephs Hospital Palliative Care. Allen Stanley was born May 27, 1922 to Eva (Counsel) and Roy Stanley in Neillsville, Wisconsin. He attended Reed School for his primary education and graduated in 1939 from Neillsville High School.During high school he played on the basketball team and was active in the young farmers organization. Allens close friendship with Ted Pierce led him to meet his wife of 54 years, Lorraine Pierce. They spent time together roller-skating, especially waltzing in each others arms on skates. They were married on September 3, 1955 in Iowa. Lorraine preceded him in death by one year and one day, on February 19, 2009.Livestock of all kinds was Allens passion from his youth until the day he died. Some of the many jobs in the farming industry that Allen did were hauling canned milk; farming with his father; farming near Granton and raising cattle (diary and beef). Allen and two partners built the Granton Livestock Sale Barn located on Highway 10 in Granton in 1962. A hub of activity could be seen and heard every Tuesday at the local sale barn. Countless numbers of cattle went through the doors of that sale barn as it was a booming local business. Farmers came to town to conduct business or just to gab, play a hand or two of sheepshead and have lunch at the lunch counter operated by his wife, Lorraine. Allen established Stanley Enterprises Inc. a cattle dealing business and auction service that picked up/delivered cattle and provided auction services for local farmers.In 1974, his best friend and son, Bruce became his partner in the business. In 1977, Allen and Lorraine moved to a smaller farm north of Neillsville.Allen and his son, Bruce, worked side by side until Allen and Lorraine were convinced to take life a bit easier and retire to city life in Marshfield. Bruce continues his talent in truck driving with employment with Veolia Environmental Services. Allen and Lorraines daughter, Shirley, graduated from UW-Eau Claire, became a chemist for a prominent pharmaceutical company in Michigan and currently operates her own quickly growing consulting firm. Allen spent endless hours dealing with cattle and farmers. In addition to the cattle business, Allen spent the majority of time helping, supporting, and encouraging local farmers. He was happiest when coaching a new farmer on herd quality and management. He took pride in working with those farmers until they were ready to be on their own. The local farming communitys success and the livelihood of the farming industry was his passion until the day he died. His family understood his passion; yet knew that they were the love of his life. Allen was, second only to Lorraine, a supportive fan of Bruce and Shirleys school, sports, and music events. The time the family could count on enjoying all together would be at the Golden Sands Speedway watching auto racing. Allen and Lorraine loved to go the casino. Allen enjoyed trying to beat the machines, which he usually did, along with a fun meal out. Allen is lovingly survived by his son, Bruce (Ellen) Stanley of Marshfield; daughter, Shirley (Bruce) Smith of Portage, MI; his sister, Ruth (Tom) Jacob of Wausau, WI; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was a proud and fun loving grandfather and fan of his 4 grandchildren Marisa, Daniel, Jacob and Zach Stanley. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorraine; an infant daughter; sisters, Mardene Chase and Jean (David) Krutsch and three infant brothers. A memorial service will be held for Allen at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Niece, Chaplain Joann Chase will officiate. Visitation will be held there from 5 pm to 7 pm on Friday, Feb. 26 and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment, with Lorraine at his side, will be at the Neillsville Cemetery after the service.