Stanley Wanzek

Stanley J. Wanzek, age 91, died peacefully Tuesday January 21, 2020, with family at his side at Edgewood Vista in Fargo, ND. Stanley has lived in assisted living at Edgewood Vista since December 2016 where the staff took excellent care of him. He enjoyed his time there and spent his days walking the spacious halls and greeting all he met with a smile; making many friends. Stanley Joseph Wanzek was born May 18, 1928, in Windsor, ND to Peter and Martha Wanzek (Pyzick). Stan developed his strong work ethic on the family farm 2 miles from Windsor. Here he worked to help raise his siblings and work the land after losing his mother in childbirth. He attended a country school and completed 2 years of high school at St. John’s Academy. Stanley trained as a paratrooper and served state-side in the United States Army, during the Korean war. Stan was an electrician by trade and started his career at Goodman Electric in Jamestown, North Dakota. He then took a job with Dakota Electric. Some of the highlights of his career include; West Acres shopping center, St. Lukes Hospital, and the Radisson Hotel. After retiring in 1990, he worked as a handyman, groundskeeper as well as any miscellaneous jobs for Wanzek Construction. Stanley married Irene Lorraine Schlenker on February 15, 1955, at Windsor, ND and they made their home in Fargo. Married for 61 years, Irene, passed away on April 10, 2016. Stanley enjoyed time with his family, his children, and grandchildren. His work ethic followed him and those around him, always willing to help someone out. Stan and Irene purchased the Schlenker farmstead in Gackle, North Dakota, and spent years working on weekends to restore the farmstead. This included a massive restoration process on the barn, for which he was extremely proud. Stan had a fondness for antiques and drove his antique John Deere tractor in the centennial parade, in Gackle. Stan was skilled at woodworking. His craftsmanship and attention to detail in the many projects he built for family members will be cherished for years to come. He also took great pride in the restoration of his son Steve’s 1952, Ford pickup, still on the road today! Stanley will be dearly missed and is survived by one daughter: Janet (Larry) Carlson, Moorhead, MN; three sons: Jeffrey (Paula) Wanzek, Battleground, Washington; Michael (Sheri) Wanzek, Fargo; and Steve Wanzek, Durango, CO., 2 granddaughters, Brooke (Ross) Johnson, Oklahoma City, OK, Jamie Wanzek, Durango, CO., 6 grandsons; Jade Wanzek, New York City, NY, Zachary Wanzek, Fargo, Mikko Wanzek, Riku Wanzek, Olie Wanzek, Battleground WA, Riley Wanzek, Bozeman MT, 1 step-granddaughter, 2 step great-granddaughters, and 2 step great-grandsons; 1 great-grandchild to be. Stanley is also survived by two brothers, Tom Wanzek and Raymond Wanzek, and three sisters, Mary Winberg, Helen Seher, and Carol Froemke, as well as many nieces and nephews. Stanleys wife Irene Wanzek, brothers James Wanzek, Mark Wanzek and a baby brother, and sisters Patricia Falck, and Rose Marie Wanzek Gonser preceded him in death, as well as his father and mother. Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fargo. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fargo.