Stanley Joseph Sponder 1922 - 2014

SPONDER, LASKA, MCCLAREY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/28/2014 at 12:31:22

Sioux City Journal
24 October 2014

SIOUX CITY | Stanley Joseph Sponder, 92, of Council Bluff, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at Regency Rehab Nursing Home in Council Bluffs.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes in Sioux City, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.christysmith.com.

Stanley was born on March 21, 1922, in Sioux City, to Joseph and Mary (Laska) Sponder. He was one of 11 children. He grew up in Sioux City and attended St. Francis Catholic Grade School and East High School. He and his brothers were accomplished athletes. City bowling and golf champions, he also was a member of various softball teams. Until he became ill, he still enjoyed sports, especially watching his grandson play. Stanley went to work at Armour & Co. in the box factory at the Sioux City plant at age 18, retiring in 1977, when the plant closed, after 37 years with the company.

He married Betty L. McClarey on April 12, 1947, at St. Francis Catholic Church. The couple had two children, Barbara and Dottie. Betty died on April 23, 2004, in Sioux City.

Stanley was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church until it closed. He had a very strong faith and believed that he would someday be reunited with his loved ones in heaven.

Stanley was born with a rare innocence and patience. His children never heard a cross word. He liked and trusted everyone he met. Even though his illness robbed him of his vision and memory, he continued to have a sweet nature and liked to tease people.

Surviving are daughters, Barbara and her husband, Terry Murkins of Council Bluff, and Dottie and her husband, Johnny Klaschen of Sioux City; four grandchildren, Heather Szumlanski, Ryan and Angie Murkins, Jeni and Ryan Stille, and Sara and Josh Tirrel; seven great-grandchildren, Andrew, Anna, Aiden, Aubrey, Finnley, Kennedy and Harrison; and a sister, Josephine Prather of Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; seven brothers, Rome, Chuck, John, Steven, Pete, Joseph and Leo Sponder; and two sisters, Pauline Ostrihonsky and Annie Sponder.

The family would like to thank the residents and staff at Regency Rehab for all the love and care Stanley received from everyone there.